Pennsylvania American Water Buys SSMSA System

Pennsylvania American Water has completed its $3.25 million acquisition of the Sutersville-Sewickley Municipal Sewage Authority wastewater system in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. The system serves approximately 500 customer connections in Sutersville Borough and Sewickley Township. The utility plans to invest approximately $700,000 in improvements over its first five years of ownership. The acquisition, approved by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission on March 26, 2026, follows a rate alignment that results in lower monthly bills for customers with average household usage.

Five Year Investment Plan

Pennsylvania American Water plans to invest in improvements intended to improve service quality and reliability at the acquired wastewater system. The investment is planned as part of the agreement.

Justin Ladner, President at Pennsylvania American Water, said:

“Pennsylvania American Water is pleased to welcome Westmoreland County residents as new wastewater customers. We look forward to providing these communities with safe, reliable wastewater service by delivering on our technical expertise and extensive wastewater experience.”

Local Sale Decision

SSMSA decided in May 2025 to sell the wastewater system after a new board evaluated available options. The authority’s prior members had overseen the system for more than 20 years, and both Sutersville Borough and Sewickley Township supported the sale.

Bruce Riley, Chairman at SSMSA, said:

“Three and a half years ago, the Sutersville-Sewickley Municipal Sewage Authority welcomed a new board as the members who had overseen the system for more than 20 years stepped down. After evaluating all available options, the board determined that Pennsylvania American Water was best positioned to operate, maintain and invest in the system for the benefit of our customers. Both the Borough of Sutersville and Sewickley Township have supported the decision to sell the system to Pennsylvania American Water.”

Customer Assistance Programs

As the PUC regulates the company’s rates and service rules, any future changes to rates must be reviewed and approved by the PUC. Pennsylvania American Water also offers its H2O Help to Others Program™, which provides income-eligible customers with grants of up to $500 per year, significant discounts on monthly bills, arrearage forgiveness, and water-saving devices and education.

Wastewater Service Expansion

The acquisition adds the SSMSA wastewater system, serving approximately 500 customer connections in Sutersville Borough and Sewickley Township, to Pennsylvania American Water’s operations. The company plans to invest approximately $700,000 in improvements over the next five years of ownership.