Meetings are happening to talk about selling the Indian Creek Valley Water Authority (ICVWA) to Pennsylvania American Water Company (PAWC). This sale could affect our community for a long time.
Our rural community often deals with decisions made by big companies. We end up paying higher costs and having less control. Selling to PAWC might mean higher water bills, worse water quality, and fewer choices about our water.
Come to the meetings to learn, share your thoughts, and ask important questions:
- Will PAWC promise affordable rates in the future, not just right after the sale?
- Recently, PAWC wanted to raise rates, for customers state-wide, by 24.1%. Many people complained about high bills and poor service, so the increase was cut down to 10.7%. But bills still went up a lot, hurting families who don’t have much money. (PUC Motion, July 2024, Commissioner Zerfuss Statement, July 2024).
- Recently, PAWC wanted to raise rates, for customers state-wide, by 24.1%. Many people complained about high bills and poor service, so the increase was cut down to 10.7%. But bills still went up a lot, hurting families who don’t have much money. (PUC Motion, July 2024, Commissioner Zerfuss Statement, July 2024).
- Will PAWC pay for fixing pipes and equipment instead of making customers pay?
- Private water companies typically raise rates several times a year to cover repairs. Public utilities can use grants or loans, but private companies make customers pay for all costs. (PUC Motion, July 2024).
- Private water companies typically raise rates several times a year to cover repairs. Public utilities can use grants or loans, but private companies make customers pay for all costs. (PUC Motion, July 2024).
- Will PAWC quickly fix pipes and other problems to keep water clean and available?
- PAWC customers have complained about dirty water, strong chemical smells, and old pipes breaking often. Because of these issues, the state is now investigating PAWC’s services. (PUC Motion & Commissioner Zerfuss Statement, July 2024).
- PAWC customers have complained about dirty water, strong chemical smells, and old pipes breaking often. Because of these issues, the state is now investigating PAWC’s services. (PUC Motion & Commissioner Zerfuss Statement, July 2024).
- Will water from Indian Creek stay here in our area?
- After privatization, PAWC could sell local water to big industrial users like fracking or bottling companies, with less local oversight—potentially causing shortages or higher rates for communities. (Water Online, 2012: “Private Water Companies Lobby For More Fracking,” wateronline.com).
- After privatization, PAWC could sell local water to big industrial users like fracking or bottling companies, with less local oversight—potentially causing shortages or higher rates for communities. (Water Online, 2012: “Private Water Companies Lobby For More Fracking,” wateronline.com).
- Will we have any say about our water system if the sale happens?
- After selling to a private company, it’s very hard and expensive to get local control back. (WHYY, 2022, noting Pennsylvania law often leads communities to pay more than the original sale price).
Your input matters—attend the public hearing and make your voice heard!
The two (2) public hearings will be held as follows:
Important note: Any resident from any township can attend either meeting location. The format of the meetings will be science fair style, where questions can be asked and will be referred to the appropriate resource.
- Saltlick Township – March 27, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Saltlick Township Municipal Building (147 Municipal Building Road, Melcroft, PA 15462)
- Springfield Township – March 27, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Normalville Volunteer Fire Hall (3387 Springfield Pike, Normalville, PA 15469).
Any interested member of the public is invited to attend. Any person requiring an accommodation to attend either public hearing should contact the respective Township. Additionally, written comments may be submitted by mail or in person on or before that date to ICVWA at 2019 Indian Head Rd, Indian Head, PA 15446.
Update: These meetings occurred, with significant attendance. The ICVWA voted unanimously in favor of the sale to PA American Water. The next step is for the township supervisors to vote on the sale. MWA will do its best to keep the community updated on the topic!