Initiatives

Investing in Clean Water for Decades to Come

Existing water mains are 65-125 years old and are reaching the limit of usable life.

Clean, safe water is something we often take for granted. But maintaining a dependable water system requires ongoing investment.

The Elizabethtown Area Water Authority has initiated plans and projects to invest over $30 million in critical infrastructure upgrades through 2029 that will provide a reliable and safe water supply for decades to come.

Read on to learn why these investments are necessary and how they will benefit you.

Replacement of Aged Water Mains

Project

Replace 36,000 feet of aged cast-iron water mains (length of about 100 football fields)
Increase the diameter of water mains

Benefits

Improve water quality
Increase distribution capacity
Improve system efficiency
Reduce risk of water main breaks and leaks
Prevent costly repairs to the system and roadways

Cost

$20 million financed through a low-cost state loan
Anticipating about a 3.5% service charge adjustment for the initial 5-year financing period
For most residential customers, this adjustment will equate to a bill increase of $5-7 per month

Upgrades to Treatment Plant, Water Storage Tanks and Meters

Upgrades are necessary to maintain reliability and capitalize on new technology.

Project

Update and improve water treatment plant and wells
Replace approximately 4,000 water meters
Install Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI)
Paint and coat water storage tanks

Benefits

Improve water quality
Mitigate maintenance needs
Extend treatment plant life
Enable digital and remote meter reading
Ensure accurate billing
Obtain real-time data to reduce wasted water
Improve water use monitoring for effective demand management
Prevent potential water tank leaks and failures
Improve system reliability

Cost

$10 million funded through capital reserves

Questions?

Download Initiative Flyer

The Elizabethtown Area Water Authority serves over 6,600 customers in Elizabethtown Borough, Mount Joy Township and West Donegal Township and produces an average of 1.5 million gallons of water a day.