On August 13, 2026, Pennsylvania American Water successfully completed its acquisition of the Sutersville-Sewickley Municipal Sewage Authority (SSMSA) wastewater system for $3.25 million. This system serves around 500 connections in Sutersville Borough and Sewickley Township, situated in Westmoreland County.
Justin Ladner, president of Pennsylvania American Water, expressed enthusiasm, stating, "We are pleased to welcome Westmoreland County residents as our new wastewater customers. Our goal is to deliver safe and reliable wastewater services, utilizing our technical know-how and extensive experience in the sector."
As part of this initiative, Pennsylvania American Water has committed to invest approximately $700,000 into improving the SSMSA system. This investment aims to enhance both service quality and reliability over the forthcoming five years.
"Three and a half years prior, the SSMSA embraced a new board following the departure of long-term members. After weighing all options, we believe Pennsylvania American Water is the ideal candidate to operate, maintain, and enrich our system for the benefit of our customers," remarked SSMSA Chairman Bruce Riley. He mentioned that both Sutersville Borough and Sewickley Township had solid backing for the decision to transfer the system to Pennsylvania American Water.
The sale of the wastewater system to Pennsylvania American Water was officially approved by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) on March 26, 2026. Prior to the acquisition, SSMSA synchronized its rates with those of Pennsylvania American Water, establishing lower monthly bills for average household consumption.
The PUC's regulatory oversight means that any future rate modifications must undergo examination and approval. Pennsylvania American Water also provides various assistance programs for customers, including the H2O Help to Others Program™, which delivers grants of up to $500 annually to income-eligible clients, alongside notable discounts on monthly charges, arrearage relief, and educational resources for water-saving techniques.
American Water, parent company of Pennsylvania American Water, stands as the most significant regulated water and wastewater utility in the United States, boasting a rich history dating back to 1886, and has proudly served approximately 14 million people across 14 states.
As the leading regulated water utility in Pennsylvania with roughly 1,200 dedicated staff, Pennsylvania American Water takes pride in its mission to offer safe, clean, and affordable water and wastewater services, catering to around 2.5 million residents. To learn more about their commitment to infrastructure improvement and their customer support programs, visit
pennsylvaniaamwater.com/infrastructure.