2012 Rates Announced
October 3, 2011

On Wednesday, September 28, 2011 the Williamsport Municipal Water Authority (WMWA) and Williamsport Sanitary Authority (WSA) Board of Directors adopted resolutions establishing Water and Sanitary rates effective January 1, 2012 as follows:

WMWA: $4.95 per thousand gallons billed

WSA: $10.60 per thousand gallons billed

The implementation of these rates will result in an increase to the average residential consumer* of approximately $2.60 per quarter for water service (3 cents per day), and $27.95 per quarter for sanitary service (31 cents per day).

The Williamsport Municipal Water Authority rate increase is necessary to meet increasing costs and the need for increased funding for infrastructure upgrades. The WMWA continues to strive for greater efficiencies and pursue long-term growth opportunities as a means to finance these additional expenditures, however overall water consumption has not risen discernably despite the localized growth this area is undergoing. Even with the announced increase, water rates for customers of the WMWA remain low when compared to many communities in the area and across the State, and the Authority will continue its goal of providing the highest service and reliability levels at the lowest possible cost.

The Williamsport Sanitary Authority rate increase is a result of the additional debt incurred over the past 12 months to fully fund the collection system and treatment plant upgrades required by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's Chesapeake Bay Tributary Strategy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's wet weather mandates. During this time period, one bond issue and two low interest loans have been obtained, totaling over 69 million dollars. The WSA has been disappointed by the lack of grant funding available for this compliance program, and must increase rates to have funding in place for the additional loan and bond payments that are required.

*Increases shown are based on an average residential consumer water meter reading of 13,000 gallons per quarter.

Woodward Township Announcement
October 3, 2011

The Woodward Township Water and Sewer Authority (WTWSA) and the Williamsport Sanitary Authority (WSA), announce today their commitment to transfer ownership and management of the Woodward sewage collection system to the WSA. The WSA currently processes Woodward Township sewage through its West wastewater treatment plant under an existing agreement with the WTWSA. The WSA also maintains Woodward's sewage collection system through a separate operating agreement. The change in ownership of the WTWSA collection system would replace both of these agreements.

Under the proposed agreement, Woodward Township will become a separate rate district within the Williamsport Sanitary Authority's customer base. Monthly sewage rates for this district will initially be set at Woodward's current rates. Future rate adjustments will be based on the Authority's overall treatment and administrative costs, which will remain uniform throughout all rate districts, and the unique cost of maintaining the Woodward collection system.

Until notified, customers of the Woodward Township Water and Sewer Authority should continue to use their existing contact and billing information.

The WTWSA and WSA are pleased to announce the outcome of this cooperative process, and believe that it will be beneficial to both Woodward Township and Williamsport customers in providing a high level of wastewater service and in accommodating future needs.