Aqua Pennsylvania has established itself as a reliable provider of clean, safe drinking water to over 1.5 million residents across Pennsylvania. The company’s dedication to maintaining water purity and reliability reflects its enduring mission since its founding in 1886. As water safety becomes increasingly critical due to various environmental and industrial challenges, Aqua Pennsylvania has consistently focused on proactive measures, infrastructure investments, and community support to ensure families have access to safe drinking water.
Proactive Measures and Health Improvements
Aqua Pennsylvania emphasizes staying ahead of potential water contamination risks, particularly concerning lead contaminants and growing concerns like PFAS. In 2024, the company launched an ambitious lead service line replacement program, successfully replacing more than 1,000 lead and galvanized service lines at no direct cost to customers. This proactive initiative significantly reduces health risks associated with lead consumption, reaffirming the company’s commitment to safeguarding public health.
Additionally, Aqua Pennsylvania has addressed concerns surrounding PFAS, a group of man-made chemicals found in various products and known for their persistence in the environment and human body. The company has constructed and activated several PFAS treatment facilities at well stations in Montgomery and Bucks counties. These projects, which comply with updated federal and state regulations, underscore Aqua Pennsylvania’s proactive stance in tackling emerging contaminants to protect the health of the communities served.
Infrastructure Investments
Ensuring the quality of water goes beyond its purity; it involves maintaining a reliable and efficient delivery system. Aqua Pennsylvania made substantial infrastructure investments in 2024, replacing 57 miles of old water mains to reduce service disruptions and improve water pressure. These deliberate upgrades are essential for maintaining a robust infrastructure capable of delivering consistent and reliable water services to customers.
Moreover, the installation of 483 new fire hydrants marks another significant improvement in the company’s infrastructure strategy. These fire hydrants enhance the efficiency of emergency response services and contribute to public safety. Such investments not only yield immediate benefits like improved water pressure but also reduce the likelihood of future costly repairs, ultimately ensuring a dependable water supply for the long term.
Financial Management and Customer Affordability
Balancing the financial aspects of large-scale infrastructure projects with ensuring customer affordability is a challenging yet critical consideration for Aqua Pennsylvania. The utility sector demands regular maintenance and timely asset replacement due to harsh operational conditions. In 2024, Aqua Pennsylvania dedicated $338 million to maintaining safe and reliable services, with nearly $100 million sourced from Pennvest low-interest loans and grants. This financial approach minimizes the impact of infrastructure costs on customer bills, which is particularly important given the high-interest-rate environment.
This prudent financial management allows Aqua Pennsylvania to continue making necessary investments in maintaining and modernizing its water delivery systems without imposing undue financial burdens on customers. By prioritizing affordability, the company ensures that essential services remain accessible and reliable for all residents.
Customer Assistance and Community Support
In addition to infrastructure and financial investments, Aqua Pennsylvania focuses on community support through its Customer Assistance Program (CAP). The CAP initiative aims to make essential water services accessible to all community members, including those in need of financial assistance. By providing discounted water and wastewater bills to families facing financial hardships, Aqua Pennsylvania ensures that every family can access clean, safe drinking water regardless of their economic situation.
Expanding the CAP reflects Aqua Pennsylvania’s commitment to serving all residents impartially and reinforces its dedication to public health and community welfare. This program is a critical component of the company’s strategy to support the well-being of the communities it serves, demonstrating its role as a reliable provider and community partner.
Future Commitments
Aqua Pennsylvania is a trusted provider of clean, safe drinking water for more than 1.5 million residents across the state. Established in 1886, the company’s unwavering commitment to delivering pure and reliable water has been at the core of its mission for over a century. With increasing environmental and industrial challenges impacting water safety, Aqua Pennsylvania remains steadfast in its proactive approach to maintaining water quality. This dedication is evidenced by substantial investments in infrastructure and ongoing initiatives to support the community. By focusing on these proactive measures, Aqua Pennsylvania continually ensures that families have reliable access to safe drinking water, reinforcing their reputation as a dependable and essential service provider in the community. Their efforts not only highlight their longstanding mission but also demonstrate their adaptive strategies to meet the evolving demands of water safety in today’s world.