PA Environment Digest Blog: DEP: Commonwealth Court Issues Order Appointing PA American Water Company Receiver For East Dunkard Water System Authority In Greene County Due To Compliance Issues

On February 8, the Department of Environmental Protection announced Commonwealth Court issued an order appointing PA American Water Company as receiver for the East Dunkard Water Authority in Greene County.

On February 1, 2024, EDWA’s board approved a motion agreeing to the appointment of a receiver to take over the management and operation of the water system due to significant compliance issues.

On numerous occasions, EDWA customers have complained of brown water and water outages that left the customers without water for several days.

EDWA’s customers had to boil their water for weeks until proper treatment was restored.

Over the last two years, DEP cited EDWA numerous times for failure to have a certified operator and for violations that led to breakdowns in water treatment and issued multiple orders requiring the EDWA to take corrective actions.

Most recently, DEP petitioned the Commonwealth Court to enforce orders that DEP and the court issued to EDWA and appoint a receiver to take over control of the water system.

“Every Pennsylvanian has a constitutional right to clean air, pure water, and a safe and healthy environment. This is the latest in DEP’s efforts to compel compliance with Pennsylvania’s safe drinking water laws and regulations.”

DEP reviews EDWA’s monitoring data on a daily basis and will continue to work with PAWC and EDWA through the transition.

In November 2023, the Public Utility Commission issued an emergency order authorizing PAWC to manage and operate EDWA’s public water system pending approval by the court.

“Ensuring ample, properly treated drinking water to EDWA’s consumers has been DEP’s priority. Appointing Pennsylvania American Water Company was the most logical and efficient choice to act as receiver, especially since PAWC intends to acquire the EDWA’s public water system,” said DEP Southwest Regional Director, Jim Miller. “Paving the way for this receivership required the coordination of many people, including Pennsylvania American Water Company and the Public Utility Commission, and DEP appreciates their efforts.”

EDWA’s public water system currently serves approximately 4,200 Greene County residents in Dunkard and Greene townships and portions of Monongahela, Cumberland, Perry, and Whitely townships.

For more information on environmental programs in Pennsylvania, visit DEP’s website, Report Emergencies, Submit Environmental Complaints; Click Here to sign up for DEP’s newsletter; sign up for DEP’s eNotice; visit DEP’s Blog, Like DEP on Facebook, Follow DEP on Twitter and visit DEP’s YouTube Channel.