A trend has developed across our region: local governments are selling their municipal water and wastewater assets to private companies. With the passing of Act 12 of 2016 as an amendment to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Code, local governments can use the Fair Market Value assessment to determine the value of a water or wastewater system. The goal is to achieve greater environmental and economic benefits.

As the ever-increasing regulatory environment can present challenges for local government to meet compliance obligations, private companies offer the capacity to improve new and existing infrastructure for safe drinking water and treatment of wastewater. In the article below, our partners at Pennsylvania American Water describe an additional benefit provided to its customers through their H2O program.

Pennsylvania American Water Reminds Customers that

Assistance is Available for Those in Need

While rising inflation is impacting the price of everyday staples, Pennsylvania American Water is reminding western Pennsylvania municipalities and cities across the Commonwealth that assistance is available for our water and wastewater customers through the Help to Others (H2O) program.

The H2O program is unique and a leader among water utilities in Pennsylvania when considering assistance programs for water customers. Pennsylvania American Water’s H2O – Help to Others Program was the first of its kind to be launched by a water utility in the United States in 1991.

The program was considered by Pennsylvania American Water at that time (as it is now)—to complement its commitment to providing excellent, reliable customer service.

Increasing costs are necessary from time to time to meet the rising demand for investments that upgrade and replace aging infrastructure. These investments range from underground pipelines to water treatment plants with state-of-the-art technology and many things that help ensure high quality and reliable service.

Despite rate increases—approved by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission—the cost of tap water remains highly economical. Currently costing pennies per gallon, tap water is one of the least expensive utilities. Similarly, sewer rates have risen to support the need for increased financing of wastewater systems to meet environmental regulations.

Sometimes our customers face circumstances that stretch their financial resources. We know that it is essential for public health and sanitation that all individuals and families have access to safe tap water and wastewater service in their homes.

Pennsylvania American Water’s H2O Program has helped eliminate the worry of going without water and sewer service for those struggling to make ends meet.

Customer grants come from a Pennsylvania American Water donation that annually provides up to $500,000 for water assistance and $100,000 for wastewater support. The company also matches customer donations to the program dollar for dollar.

Today, the program offers financial assistance for income-eligible customers, including grants of up to $500 per year, discounts on monthly water and wastewater charges, and water-saving devices and education

Monthly Income Guidelines

INSTALLMENT PLANS

Pennsylvania American Water also offers eligible customers an installment plan to extend the time they have to pay a past-due balance. Installment plans vary based on the past due amount and the information customers provide to us about their ability to pay. We collect this information, including household income and the number of people in the household, to determine what assistance we can provide our customers.

Customers who qualify for the H2O Help to Others Program™ may also receive a water-saving kit that includes a low-flow shower head, faucet aerators, a toilet tank diverter, and non-toxic leak-detecting dye tablets. Also included is an educational booklet that explains how to install the devices and provides helpful tips on saving water inside and outside the home, so customers can take an active part in reducing their water bill through wise water use.

LEARN MORE

Suppose you know someone living in a low-income household or are undergoing hardship. In that case, we encourage them not to hesitate to contact the Dollar Energy Fund, our program administrator, at 1-888-282-6816, or visit our website Pennsylvaniaamwater.com, to learn more about our customer assistance program.