Editorial: Troubled water authority can’t change hands quickly enough
There is a permanent light at the end of the tunnel for the 4,200 customers who rely on water provided by East Dunkard Water Authority.
Earlier this month, the state Public Utility Commission approved the EDWA’s sale to Pennsylvania American Water Company. By later this year, the $5 million deal is expected to be finalized.
It’s no doubt a relief to customers who have, for years, been plagued by foul-smelling and discolored water, boil advisories, and interruptions in service.
Frustrations – and fears – mounted, hitting a breaking point in October 2023 when EDWA’s treatment plant stopped working, and most customers were without water for three days.
PUC Chairman Stephen DeFrank said it was “probably the largest system I’ve ever seen dewater.”
Thankfully, by the time that happened, the authority’s board had already signed an agreement with PAWC to buy its system. In February 2024, a state Commonwealth Court judge approved a receivership that put PAWC fully in charge of the beleaguered authority as the PUC reviewed the sale.
While that didn’t immediately end all of the problems plaguing the system, it did give PAWC the ability to come in and start the process of righting the ship.
PAWC has since made $2 million in enhancements and worked to correct 76 violations from the state Department of Environmental Protection.
When the sale was approved on March 13, DeFrank acknowledged there was still much work to be done.
But, he said, “Extraordinary situations often require extraordinary solutions and resolutions.”
To that end, PAWC has agreed to invest $17 million for upgrades to provide safe, reliable drinking water.
It’s given hope to customer Clarissa Eggers, who in November 2023 told a reporter, “It feels like we’re the Flint, Mich., of Pennsylvania,” a reference to the city where toxic drinking water exposed thousands to dangerous levels of lead.
She was among dozens who sued EDWA, alleging poor water quality left them with health problems. While that suit winds its way through Greene County Common Pleas Court, Eggers said the sale has left her with some hope.
“It’s going to be a really good feeling when (the sale) gets closed and somebody capable is taking it over and controlling it completely.”
Hopefully Eggers’ optimism is well-placed – no one should lack confidence in what comes out of their faucet.