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Improvements in Rock Spring Water Infrastructure by Pennsylvania American Water

Recent upgrades to the Rock Spring Water infrastructure improve service reliability.

News Summary

Pennsylvania American Water Company has implemented significant improvements to the Rock Spring Water Company’s infrastructure after inspections by the Department of Environmental Protection. This upgrade includes new monitoring systems and safety measures to reduce water loss, which previously reached 63%. The company faces ongoing regulatory scrutiny and is committed to ensuring safe water delivery for its customers while working with regulatory bodies toward resolution.

Pennsylvania – Pennsylvania American Water Company has implemented crucial improvements to the troubled Rock Spring Water Company infrastructure after being appointed as its interim operator. The company’s advancements come following an inspection from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) which acknowledged “excellent progress” in addressing ongoing issues with the water system. Rock Spring Water Company serves about 1,000 customers in rural Centre County, who have been facing unreliable water service for over a decade.

Recent upgrades by Pennsylvania American Water include the installation of a new monitoring system designed to utilize real-time data, enhancing the ability to detect service issues and improve operational stability. A new analyzer has been integrated to monitor chlorine levels effectively. Moreover, additional safety measures have been put into place to prevent chemical spills and track potential leaks within the system.

Previously, Rock Spring faced significant challenges, with an average annual water loss reaching an alarming 63% from 2010 to 2023, well above the industry standard of 20%. Due to these efforts, improvements have resulted in a reduction of daily water loss by approximately 40,000 gallons, indicating effective leak repairs and operational adjustments.

The water system has been under scrutiny due to excessive water loss and various regulatory violations, leading to ongoing legal actions against Rock Spring’s owner, J. Roy Campbell. In December 2022, Campbell signed a letter of intent agreeing to sell the business to the State College Borough Water Authority for $65,000, although this sale has not yet been finalized.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is actively involved in seeking negotiations toward a possible acquisition while investigating Rock Spring’s circumstances. Recent rulings from a Centre County judge denied a request to appoint a receiver to manage Rock Spring, emphasizing that the PUC will maintain regulatory oversight concerning the company’s operations.

Officials from the PUC, DEP, and the Office of Consumer Advocate have collectively identified the urgent need for improved management to safeguard customer safety and public health. Customers of the Rock Spring system have suffered from boil water advisories, low water pressure, and frequent service outages attributed to deteriorating infrastructure.

Against this backdrop, Pennsylvania American Water has expressed its commitment to ensuring safe water delivery for customers. The company has indicated that it will handle the costs necessary for critical repairs should Rock Spring be unable to cover those expenses. Additionally, the company is committed to maintaining regular communication with customers, which includes the establishment of a new webpage dedicated to system improvements and management updates.

In summary, substantial strides have been made under the interim management of Pennsylvania American Water to rectify the longstanding issues that have plagued the Rock Spring Water Company. With continued oversight and an emphasis on effective operational practices, the hope is to restore reliable service to the community while addressing the regulatory concerns that have arisen.