Capital Region Water (CRW) was awarded $3.5 million in COVID-19 ARPA H2O PA grant funds on Dec. 19 from the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) to construct a new sewer interceptor along Paxton Creek.

CRW is part of a coalition of stakeholders who are collectively advancing the Paxton Creek Greenway Initiative (Initiative) in Dauphin County. Additional Initiative partners include the City of Harrisburg, the Harrisburg Redevelopment Authority, the Dauphin County Redevelopment Authority, the Tri-County Planning Commission, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Department of Transportation, and the Department of Environmental Protection.

“Receiving this award is very exciting for us,” Andrew Enders, vice-chairperson of the CRW Board of Directors said. “We are most thankful for the collaboration of so many key stakeholders and their help in bringing the project concept to fruition.”

The Initiative is a collaborative effort to restore the natural ecological function of Paxton Creek within the City of Harrisburg and surrounding communities. The goals of the Initiative are to upgrade the health of the watershed; improve water and sewer services to the residents; create new recreational amenities along Paxton Creek; and to generate new economic development opportunities in the region.

“Senator John DiSanto and representatives Patty Kim, Justin Fleming, David Madsen, and Joe Kerwin were critical in solidifying this project and advocating for its success,” Charlotte Katzenmoyer, CEO of CRW said. “The importance of this Initiative was recognized and championed by our legislators, and we are very pleased to have their investment.”

This is one of the key implementation projects of the greater Initiative. The current Paxton Creek Sewer Interceptor requires significant structural rehabilitation for continued service. The interceptor’s age, condition,  and alignment with the railroad and former Pennsylvania Canal create significant challenges for CRW to maintain the system. The pipeline’s unusual geometry dramatically complicates its rehabilitation, thus making it financially non-feasible.

Completing the interceptor replacement with the Paxton Creek de-channelization allows for strong collaboration among the Initiative partners, saving CRW money and benefiting its ratepayers in local communities. The H2O grant will go toward the design costs of the overall interceptor construction as well as the necessary site preparation activities to support the new interceptor.

“While we remain committed to implementing just and equitable projects to address the challenges of old and aging infrastructure, the solution requires a collaborative approach,” said Marc Kurowski, board chairperson at Capital Region Water. “This award will have a positive impact on not just the project, but our ratepayers, as well as providing other benefits of economic development and recreational opportunities for the region.”

The H2O PA Act was established by the General Assembly in July 2008. The Act provides for single-year or multi-year grants to municipalities or municipal authorities to assist with the construction of drinking water, sanitary sewer, and storm water projects. Act 54 of 2022 appropriated $205.4 million of American Rescue Plan Act funds to the H2O PA – Water Supply, Sanitary Sewer, and Storm Water Projects Program.

The CFA received 431 applications totaling more than $1 billion in funds. CRW was one of 209 applicants awarded funding.

EL PROBLEMA DE AGUA POTABLE ESTA CORREGIDO

Customers of Capital Region Water were notified on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 of a problem with our drinking water and were advised to “BOIL YOUR WATER BEFORE USING”. We are pleased to report that the problem has been corrected and that it is no longer necessary to “BOIL YOUR WATER BEFORE USING”. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience.

As always, you may contact Capital Region Water at 888-510-0606 or writing to 100 Pine Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17103 with any comments or questions. You can also visit capitalregionwater.com to learn more.

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.

This notice is being sent to you by Capital Region Water. PWS ID 7220049

Date distributed: 12/15/2023

BOIL YOUR WATER BEFORE USING

Hiervan el agua antes de usarla.

Este informe contiene información importante acerca de su agua potable.  Haga que alguien lo traduzca para usted, o hable con alguien que lo entienda.

We routinely monitor the conditions in the distribution system. On Wednesday, Dec. 13th we will experience a loss of positive water pressure due to a planned hydrant project at 123 King St., 1125, 1124, 1136, 1138 Jonestown Rd., and 109, 111, 115, 117, 119, 121, 123, 125, 127, 129, 133, 135, 137, 139, 141, 143, 145, 147,149, 151, 153, 155, 157, 159, 161 Royal Terrace in Harrisburg. A loss of positive water pressure is a signal of conditions that could allow contamination to enter the distribution system through back-flow by back pressure or back-siphonage.  As a result, there is an increased chance that the water may contain bacteria that can make you sick.

What should I do?

DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST. Bring all water to a rolling boil, let it boil for one minute, and let it cool before using; or use bottled water.  You should use boiled or bottled water for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth, and food preparation until further notice.

Inadequately treated water may contain disease-causing organisms. These organisms include bacteria, viruses, and parasites, which can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches.

These symptoms, however, are not caused only by organisms in drinking water, but also by other factors. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice.

People with severely compromised immune systems, infants, and some elderly may be at increased risk. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1 (800) 426‑4791.

What happened and what is being done?

Valves will be exercised to install a new hydrant, and a low/no pressure situation will be created.

We will inform you when all corrective actions have been completed and when you no longer need to boil your water.

For more information, please contact:

Dr. Robert E. Young Water Services Center, 888-510-0606

100 Pine Dr, Harrisburg, PA 17103

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail. This notice is being sent to you by: Capital Region Water, PWS ID#: 7220049    Date distributed: 12/13/2023

At its Regular Meeting last evening, Capital Region Water’s Board of Directors officially approved the 2024 budgets and rates, signaling a continued commitment to much-needed investments in the city’s future while remaining focused on the affordability challenges facing many consumers.

Customers will experience a modest increase in their monthly bill, which, on average, is less than $5.00. CRW carefully considered these rates to strike a balance between covering necessary operational costs and providing fair and equitable charges to customers. This ensures that critical drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater services and infrastructure remain reliable and safe for the entire service territory.

CRW has also proposed increased funding for credit assistance programs, which utilize non-rate revenues to provide direct assistance to those in the community who need it the most.

“Our commitments are to our customers in the form of affordability, excellence in water quality, and vital improvements to our aging infrastructure,” said CEO Charlotte Katzenmoyer. “While we don’t enjoy recommending increases in our rates, they are necessary to provide the service our customers deserve and expect.”

The 2024 budget focuses on critical areas such as infrastructure improvements, water quality initiatives, and environmental stewardship. Capital Region Water has remained dedicated to protecting public health and the environment for the past ten years. Providing award-winning drinking water, managing stormwater runoff, and responsibly handling wastewater services for the Harrisburg region, Capital Region Water strives to be a leader in water management, focusing on sustainability and community engagement.

Capital Region Water encourages residents to stay informed about the budget and rate adjustments by visiting the website or attending monthly public meetings. Customers can find information about meeting schedules, agendas, and all rates and fees on the website at capitalregionwater.com.

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Typical Monthly Bill Example:

Description	Current Rates	*Rates Effective in 2024	$ Change
RTS Charge Varies based on Meter Size	$  8.17	$  8.17	$0.00
Water Charge $10.65 per thousand gallons	$38.78	$39.94	$1.16
Wastewater Charge $9.98 per thousand gallons	$34.65	$37.43	$2.78
Stormwater Charge – Tier 2 Varies based on impervious area	$  6.15	$  6.77	$0.62
Total Monthly Bill	$87.75	$92.31	$4.56

Capital Region Water finance and senior leadership teams will host a special board meeting tonight, November 15th, during which the proposed 2024 budgets and rates will be presented. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 5:00 pm at CRW’s Administrative Office located at 3003 N. Front Street. This informative session will provide stakeholders and the public with a comprehensive overview of the current and future financial plan and any 2024 rate adjustments projected for the upcoming year.

Capital Region Water, committed to transparent communication, invites all interested customers to attend this special board meeting. The presentation will be followed by an opportunity for questions and discussions, fostering community engagement before the Board of Directors vote to approve budgets and rates as scheduled for Tuesday. November 21^st at 6:00 pm.

A virtual option will be available for those unable to attend in person, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity. Further details, including the meeting link, can be found on Capital Region Water’s website at capitalregionwater.com/board-meetings.

The presentation of the proposed budgets and rates marks a crucial step in Capital Region Water’s ongoing commitment to fiscal responsibility and delivering high-quality water services to the community. As a municipal authority, Capital Region Water does not earn a profit and invests its revenue into operating and improving the Harrisburg area’s water systems.

Capital Region Water is temporarily pumping and treating water from its backup drinking water source, the Susquehanna River. This short-term exercise is an industry best practice used to operate the backup system and confirm its reliability during a potential emergency. Routine use allows Capital Region Water to ensure that both sources are available and can be utilized when needed.

“Our top priority is to protect public health by providing safe, reliable drinking water,” stated Capital Region Water CEO Charlotte Katzenmoyer. “All state and federal drinking water standards will be met during this temporary exercise. While customers with a sensitive palate may notice a slightly different taste, there will be no changes to the quality of water coming through your tap.”

The short-term run will last approximately 14 days. On November 6, 2023, Capital Region Water will transition the full supply back to the primary source, the DeHart Reservoir.

Capital Region Water also reminds all drinking water customers to complete their online survey about the water service line coming into their home or business. This assistance will help ensure compliance with new regulatory requirements. Once completed, the survey will be used to develop an online, interactive map that customers can use to review service line materials throughout the system from main to household.

Capital Region Water continues to achieve a great result in its commitment to clean, safe drinking water. State and federal regulations require the 90th percentile lead level to be less than 15 parts per billion, meaning detected lead must not exceed that level in at least 90 percent of homes sampled. Capital Region Water’s result of 0 parts per billion is well below the required level. For more information about the source of your drinking water and how it compares to federal and state regulatory standards, you can visit the Water Quality Report page on Capital Region Water’s website. Capital Region Water is committed to providing clear information to every customer. If you have any questions, please contact Capital Region Water at 888-510-0606.

EL PROBLEMA DE AGUA POTABLE ESTA CORREGIDO

Customers of Capital Region Water were notified on Friday, October 13, 2023, of a problem with our drinking water and were advised to “BOIL YOUR WATER BEFORE USING”. We are pleased to report that the problem has been corrected and that it is no longer necessary to “BOIL YOUR WATER BEFORE USING”. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience.

As always, you may contact Capital Region Water at 888-510-0606 or write to 100 Pine Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17103, with any comments or questions. You can also visit capitalregionwater.com to learn more.

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.

This notice is being sent to you by Capital Region Water. PWS ID 7220049 Date distributed: 10/16/23

BOIL YOUR WATER BEFORE USING

Hiervan el agua antes de usarla.

Este informe contiene información importante acerca de su agua potable.  Haga que alguien lo traduzca para usted, o hable con alguien que lo entienda.

We routinely monitor the conditions in the distribution system. On  Friday, October 13, 2023, we experienced a loss of positive water pressure due to water main break at 803, and 808-824 S. 26^th Street in Harrisburg. A loss of positive water pressure is a signal of conditions that could allow contamination to enter the distribution system through back-flow by back pressure or back-siphonage.  As a result, there is an increased chance that the water may contain bacteria that can make you sick.

What should I do?

DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST. Bring all water to a rolling boil, let it boil for one minute, and let it cool before using; or use bottled water.  You should use boiled or bottled water for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth, and food preparation until further notice.

Inadequately treated water may contain disease-causing organisms. These organisms include bacteria, viruses, and parasites, which can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches.

These symptoms, however, are not caused only by organisms in drinking water but also by other factors. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice.

People with severely compromised immune systems, infants, and some elderly may be at increased risk. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their healthcare providers. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1 (800) 426‑4791.

What happened and what is being done?

A contractor doing work in the city hit a water main, causing a loss of positive pressure.  Efforts were made to isolate the issue and restore normal system level and pressure as quickly as possible.

We will inform you when all corrective actions have been completed and when you no longer need to boil your water.

For more information, please contact:

Dr. Robert E. Young Water Services Center, 888-510-0606

100 Pine Dr, Harrisburg, PA 17103

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail. This notice is being sent to you by: Capital Region Water, PWS ID#: 7220049      Date distributed: 10/13/23

CUSTOMER INPUT NEEDED TO COMPLETE AN INVENTORY OF ALL WATER SERVICE LINE PIPES

Capital Region Water is asking all drinking water customers to complete an online survey about the water service line coming into their home or business. Assistance with the survey will help to ensure compliance with new regulatory requirements. Capital Region Water remains committed to providing safe, reliable, high-quality drinking water to customers and consumers.

Recent lead and copper rule revisions from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) have been implemented to further reduce the risk of lead exposure from drinking water. The update requires that water service providers build a complete inventory of pipes and service lines in their systems. Service lines are the customer-owned pipes connecting their home or business to the public water main in the street.

All customers who receive their drinking water from Capital Region Water are asked to complete the brief survey. Instructions to locate your water service line and identify the material are provided. Regardless of the pipe material and property details, Capital Region Water needs your response.

“The water Capital Region Water supplies is lead free”, said Charlotte Katzenmoyer, CEO of Capital Region Water. “We routinely test for lead and copper throughout our service territory. Samples are taken directly from customer faucets. But we do know that older homes may still have lead pipes or plumbing fixtures containing lead solder. We need your help in gathering more information to develop projects that will further protect the health of those we serve.”

Capital Region Water has already taken proactive steps to develop and maintain an informal service line inventory having used historical records, on-site investigations, and regularly completed GIS updates on rehabilitation/replacement projects within the distribution system. Now, Capital Region Water is taking the inventory a step further with the deployment of an interactive customer survey to collect information on the service line materials in customer’s/consumer’s home service line.

The new lead and copper rule revisions require all community water systems to submit a service line inventory to PA DEP by October 2024. The inventory will help identify and prioritize the replacement of high-risk materials that could potentially be a source of lead in drinking water.

This survey, once completed by 20,000+ customers, will be used to develop an online, interactive map that shows not just the locations, but also materials, of the service lines in the entire system from main to household. Capital Region Water is proud to report that the most recent lead and copper testing results showed that they met and exceeded all state and federal drinking water standards. The 90th percentile lead level was 0 parts per billion, which well is below the action level of 15 parts per billion. Capital Region Water will continue to test for lead and copper every three years as required by the regulations. The next sample set will begin in 2025.

To learn more about lead and your drinking water, including steps to minimize potential exposure, please visit our website at:  Lead Prevention – Capital Region Water.

The survey, along with instructions on how to test pipe material, can be found at:  Lead and Copper Inventory- Customer Survey (arcgis.com).

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EL PROBLEMA DE AGUA POTABLE ESTA CORREGIDO

Customers of Capital Region Water were notified on Wednesday, August 22, of a problem with our drinking water and were advised to “BOIL YOUR WATER BEFORE USING”. We are pleased to report that the problem has been corrected and that it is no longer necessary to “BOIL YOUR WATER BEFORE USING”. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience.

As always, you may contact Capital Region Water at 888-510-0606 or writing to 100 Pine Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17103 with any comments or questions. You can also visit capitalregionwater.com to learn more.

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.

This notice is being sent to you by Capital Region Water. PWS ID 7220049 Date distributed: 8/25/23

Addresses:

• 344-357 Nectarine Street
• 1215-1231A/B Kittatinny Street