Pennsylvania American Water has announced it has completed its acquisition of Audubon Water Company (Audubon). The newly acquired water system serves approximately 2,900 customer connections in Lower Providence Township in Montgomery County. The system is located directly between Pennsylvania American Water’s existing Royersford and Norristown water systems.
“Pennsylvania American Water couldn’t be more pleased to welcome our new water customers in Lower Providence Township,” said Justin Ladner, president of Pennsylvania American Water. “We look forward to providing this community with safe, clean, reliable service by delivering on our technical expertise and decades of water experience.”
As many water and wastewater systems across Pennsylvania face challenges stemming from aging infrastructure and growing water quality and environmental regulation, regional consolidation, as seen with this acquisition, has been identified as a viable solution
Over the next five years, Pennsylvania American Water plans to invest approximately $21.5 million in Audubon system improvements. The improvements will include targeted main restorations and replacements, technology and control systems enhancements and treatment plant upgrades. The company has a long and successful track record of providing solutions for water systems facing significant capital investment needs and making the necessary investments to meet current and future requirements.
Audubon agreed to sell its water system to Pennsylvania American Water in September 2023, citing that the proposed sale was important because it would allow for necessary infrastructure improvements to be made that will secure long-term access to safe drinking water for the community. With the acquisition, Pennsylvania American Water also welcomed seven of the system’s employees to its local team.
In a recent letter to the editor published by the Norristown Times Herald, former Pennsylvania Senator John Rafferty, who lives in the Audubon service area, shared his thoughts on the benefits of the acquisition: “Audubon Water Company has served a populated portion of Lower Providence Township for decades. The community has experienced tremendous growth during the company’s history. Their recent decision to sell their water system to Pennsylvania American Water wasn’t just practical – it was responsible. Residents will benefit from a company with the technical expertise, investment capacity and a proven track record of improving systems just like Audubon’s. In my community, that means Audubon residents will see real improvements: more reliable service, modern infrastructure and investments that prepare the system for long-term growth – not just short-term fixes.”
The purchase was approved by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) on January 23, 2025. In accordance with the PUC’s approval, Pennsylvania American Water will adopt the rates currently being charged to the system’s customers. The PUC regulates the company’s rates and rules and regulations of service; therefore, any future rate changes will require review and approval by the PUC.
As many water and wastewater systems across Pennsylvania face challenges stemming from aging infrastructure and growing water quality and environmental regulation, regional consolidation, as seen with this acquisition, has been identified as a viable solution. Pennsylvania American Water’s scale as the commonwealth’s largest water and wastewater company differentiates it from other service providers in terms of the types of solutions it is able to offer communities in need.
Pennsylvania American Water offers multiple customer assistance programs, including its longstanding H2O Help to Others Program™. For qualifying water customers, the program offers grants of up to $500 per year, a 30-90% discount on the monthly service fee and a 20-80% discount on monthly volumetric charges.
