Pennsylvania American Water rate hikes to take effect
Water prices are about to go up for Pennsylvania American Water customers.
New water and wastewater rates are taking effect this week, according to the water provider. The changes have been approved by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.
According to the company, additional revenue generated by the increase will support plans to invest $1.2 billion through mid-2027 to strengthen water and wastewater systems in communities across the state. The infrastructure improvement plan includes replacing 117 miles of water main lines, eliminating lead service lines and addressing contaminants such as PFAS in drinking water.
“The changes customers will see on their bills help continue to improve the safe, clean, reliable water and wastewater service they and their communities depend on every day,” said Pennsylvania American Water president Justin Ladner. “We are focused on expanding customer assistance and helping customers access the support available to them if eligible, freeing up money for everyday household needs.”
Ladner said investments are “necessary to continue delivering high-quality water and wastewater services.”
According to Lauren Camarda, with external affairs for Pennsylvania American in Butler, the rate increases support solving Butler County’s wastewater challenges, including sewer overflows during heavy rainstorms.
Camarda said under the new rates, the combined water and wastewater bill increase will be about $31.13 per month for Butler area customers, bringing the former Butler Area Sewer Authority rates in line with the company’s customers throughout the state.
Camarda explained former Butler Area Sewer Authority customers now pay for wastewater service based on actual water usage rather than a flat sewer charge. The metered rate structure more closely aligns charges with individual consumption.
“With the new rates, the typical residential customer would receive a day’s worth of water (109 gallons) to drink, cook, wash and maintain their general health and well-being for about $2.84, which remains a good value for clean, safe, reliable water service delivered straight to customers’ taps,” Camarda said.
Under the new rates, residential customers will see an increase of about $3 per month, those served by sanitary wastewater systems will see an increase of about $14 per month, while customers served by combined stormwater and wastewater systems will see an increase of about $17 per month.
Customers can find information about their specific rate zone, estimated bill impacts, and customer assistance programs at pennsylvaniaamwater.com/rates and in upcoming bill communications.
In partnership with Dollar Energy Fund, eligible customers can save money on their bills through Pennsylvania American’s H2O Help to Others Program.
In 2025, customers received more than $16 million in discounts and $1.8 million in grants through the program, according to Pennsylvania American.
Pennsylvania American has increased monthly financial assistance from $25 to $40, while allowing enrolled eligible customers to earn monthly arrearage forgiveness credits.
In Butler, over 4,000 Pennsylvania American customers are eligible for the program. However, only 20% — about 800 eligible customers — are enrolled.
To learn more about the H2O Help to Others Program and to apply, customers can visit www.amwater.com/paaw/customer-service-billing/Customer-Assistance-Programs/h2o-help-to-others-program.
