Our Stories
Wastewater infrastructure exists largely out of sight, yet reliability and performance of wastewater systems are essential to public health and environmental protection. Across the country, aging infrastructure, stricter environmental standards and limited resources have made it increasingly difficult for many community systems to maintain reliable, environmentally compliant service.
As the nation’s largest regulated water and wastewater utility, American Water approaches these challenges with a long-term perspective grounded in solutions that deliver economies of scale, technical expertise, capital investment, transparency and accountability.
Exeter, Pennsylvania
In 2018, Exeter Township experienced a major environmental incident when approximately four million gallons of untreated sewage discharged into the Schuylkill River following a major storm, putting drinking water in Montgomery and Chester counties at risk.
Facing regulatory enforcement, mounting infrastructure needs and budgetary challenges, the township sold its wastewater system to Pennsylvania American Water.
After the acquisition, Pennsylvania American Water prioritized modernizing the system with capacity expansions, treatment upgrades, and collection system rehabilitation aimed at preventing future failures. These investments strengthened resiliency to wet weather and led to compliance with environmental requirements.
Our experience in Exeter demonstrates how intentional, timely action can transform a wastewater system and provide long-term environmental safeguarding.
Key Outcomes
- Provided a long-term solution following a 4-million-gallon untreated wastewater discharge
- Over $32 million invested since 2019 with an additional $80 million planned for the next five years
- Improved system reliability and expanded wet weather capacity to reduce overflow risk
- Stabilized wastewater system operations providing a path to compliance with Department of Environmental Protection consent requirements
- Upon completion of major infrastructure projects in 2027 and 2029, an estimated 7.5 million gallons per year will be diverted from local waterways
Click here to learn more about wastewater solutions at American Water.