ROYERSFORD, PA — Thousands of Chester County households are being urged to make their voices heard as Pennsylvania regulators weigh sweeping water and wastewater rate hikes that could drive monthly bills sharply higher in communities across the region.
State Sen. Katie Muth, D-Chester/Montgomery/Berks, is calling on residents to participate in public hearings on Pennsylvania American Water’s proposed rate increases, warning that the outcome could have a direct and lasting impact on family budgets.
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission will hold two public input hearings in Chester County on Thursday, January 29, at Coatesville City Hall, City Council Chamber, 1 City Hall Place. Sessions are scheduled for 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. The hearings were originally set for New Garden Township but were moved to Coatesville to accommodate public participation.
At issue is a proposed $168.7 million increase in annual operating revenues for Pennsylvania American Water, equivalent to a 14.6 percent hike across its water and wastewater systems. The utility serves about 682,000 water customers and 97,000 wastewater customers in 37 counties statewide.
Under the proposal, a typical residential water customer using 3,263 gallons per month would see increases ranging from $2.73 to $27.77 a month, depending on location, representing hikes of between 9.8 percent and 41.14 percent. Typical wastewater customers using 3,164 gallons per month could see increases from $0 to $26.29 a month, or as much as 54.14 percent. Customers with combined stormwater and wastewater systems could face an additional $20 per month.
“These hearings are a chance for residents to speak directly to the Commission before a final decision is made,” Muth said, urging people to turn out or call in. “The cost of essential services like water affects every household.”
Two telephonic hearings are also scheduled for Wednesday, January 21, at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Those wishing to testify by phone are encouraged to pre-register by 4 p.m. on Monday, January 19, by emailing the PUC Judges’ legal assistant at sumjayakum@pa.gov or calling 717-787-4972. Participants must provide their name, the hearing they will attend, the phone number they will use, a backup contact number, and an email address if available.
Call-in information for the January 21 hearings is:
Toll-free number: 866-675-4281
PIN: 85057514
The PUC voted unanimously on December 4 to suspend and investigate the rate request, setting in motion the public review process. A final decision on Pennsylvania American Water’s proposal is due by August 13, 2026.
Consumers who do not wish to testify may also submit formal complaints or comments through the PUC at https://www.puc.pa.gov/complaints/formal-complaints/.
As regulators sift through testimony and financial data, Chester County residents now face a stark question: how much more will it cost to turn on the tap.
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