Capital Region Water is seeking a Categorical Exclusion (CE) from environmental review through the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection for its Bellevue Park Pond Retrofit Project. We are accepting written comments from the public for 30 days following the publication of this Public Notice. Written comments can be mailed to Capital Region Water, 3003 North Front Street, Harrisburg, PA 17110. The Bellevue Park Pond Project is located close to the intersection of Bellevue Road and Pentwater Road in Harrisburg, PA 17104. The project includes maintenance activities for two ponds approximately 0.2 acres in size to remove accumulated sediment by dewatering and mechanical dredging, regrading and planting of the pond banks to provide a stable slope; replacement of the lower pond spillway; installation of drainage structures, catch basins, storm sewer pipes, rock energy dissipators, a continuous monitoring and adaptive control system with pipe drainage valves, and E&S controls; topsoil placement and seeding for lawns and site restoration; plantings; and other work associated with improvements around the ponds.

The project is currently being reviewed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection for consideration for a Categorical Exclusion from environmental review requirement.  This project qualifies for a CE because due diligence agency reviews relating to endangered species, archaeological/historical sites, and fish & wildlife resources did not indicate any adverse impact from this project. This project’s cost and subsequent operational cost savings were integrated into 2021 user fees as part of the rate setting process. The overall estimated cost for the project including construction and engineering services is $1,800,000.  Capital Region Water plans to submit an application to the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) to finance the project.  

Project information is available for review by Clicking Here or by submitting a request to:

Capital Region Water, c/o Bellevue Park Pond Retrofit Project

3003 North Front Street

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17110.

Capital Region Water can be reached at 888-510-0606 with any questions.

The public may submit written comments for 30 days until November 14, 2021 at:

ONLINE- Public Online Survey Here,

EMAIL- info@capitalregionwater.com ATTN: “Bellevue Park Pond Retrofit Project”

REGULAR MAIL- Capital Region Water, c/o Bellevue Park Pond Retrofit Project, 3003 North Front Street, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17110.

On Tuesday, October 12, 2021, the doors to the new Capital Region Water Customer Service Center at 3003 North Front Street, Harrisburg, PA will officially open for walk-in customers. The long-awaited opening comes almost a year after purchasing the building which underwent necessary renovations for customer ease and efficiency. The new location is now the permanent home to both administrative and customer service staff.

Customers of Capital Region Water will have the ability to handle such things as monthly bill pay, Customer Assistance enrollment, and much more.

English and Spanish speaking representatives are available for assistance Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. In addition to walk-in service, CRW recently unveiled its new state-of-the-art drive-thru system to provide safe and efficient contactless transactions. Cash, check, and money order payments may also be made during Customer Service Center business hours.

COVID-19 protocols are still in place for those entering the building. Customers are expected to keep the number of people in their party to a minimum, wear masks when inside the building, and practice safe social distancing standards when interacting with individuals inside.

The Customer Service Center and drop-box previously located at 100 Pine Drive are officially closed to the public. This consolidation further enhances CRW’s security efforts as this location will now be used for drinking water operation purposes only.  For more information or questions about our new facility, please contact the Customer Service Center at 888-510-0606.

Capital Region Water is launching a newly redesigned version of its website at https://capitalregionwater.com. The site provides a more attractive user-friendly experience for customers and visitors.  

“We are excited to have a website that focuses on the user experience. No matter what type of interaction you have with Capital Region Water, you can quickly find the information you need,” said Andy Enders, CRW Board Member and Outreach Committee Chair.  “We kept the customer, contractor, and community in mind when developing the new elements.”

The site’s refreshed look, combined with its intuitive navigation, gives visitors additional capabilities when interacting with Capital Region Water online. Existing customers can still utilize the “Customer Portal” in the same way they did before, but new tabs and features such as “Customer Support” and “Resources” allow visitors to quickly navigate to the content they need. The website continues to feature a language translation option.

 “More than a year’s worth of development has gone into making sure each component offers the best possible results for customers and visitors,” said Charlotte Katzenmoyer, CRW’s CEO. “The user-centric architecture of the site provides another level of increased efficiency to the many people we serve every day.”

Capital Region Water is a dedicated team of professionals devoted to customer satisfaction and stewardship of our community’s water systems from raindrop to river. We strive to be a leading, innovative, and efficient water utility, focused on serving our community. This website is another step in our constant commitment to improving the customer experience. The new website comes a week after Capital Region Water’s Customer Service Center unveiled its new drive-thru payment system to provide a convenient means of doing business with Capital Region Water. For more information or questions about our new website or facility, please contact the Customer Service Center at 888-510-0606.

Capital Region Water opened its customer service drive-thru today at 3003 N. Front Street in Harrisburg. The additional payment option provides a convenient means of doing business with Capital Region Water.

“In order to enhance the customer experience, we have installed a state-of-the-art drive-thru system, similar to that of a bank, to provide a safe and efficient contactless transaction feature,” said Charlotte Katzenmoyer, CRW’s CEO. Cash and check payments can be made Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Rolled coins cannot be accepted.

Capital Region Water plans to accommodate walk-in customers at its new location in early October. After purchasing the building last year, renovations are nearly complete. 3003 N. Front Street is now the permanent home to both administrative and customer service staff.

The Customer Service Center and drop-box previously located at 100 Pine Drive are now closed. The site will exclusively serve to support drinking water operations. For more information, or questions about our new facility, please contact the Customer Service Center at 888-510-0606.

Mayor Eric Papenfuse will cut the ribbon on a newly renovated 4^th and Dauphin Park on Thursday, August 19, 2021 at 11:00 a.m.  This is the fifth and final community park project in this series for the City of Harrisburg and Capital Region Water, which previously restored the Cloverly Heights, Penn & Sayford, Royal Terrace, and Norwood & Holly parks.

Within the design of the playground, Capital Region Water has installed stormwater management features to reduce the flow of rain runoff into the combined sewer system. These elements include a pervious basketball court, restored vegetation, and multiple rain gardens, which will work in tandem with catch basins and storm sewer pipes underground.

“We thank everyone who helped to make these new improvements at 4th and Dauphin.” Papenfuse said “The updates to the playground will be a great benefit to our residents”

The citywide playground renovations were part of a $2 million partnership including Harrisburg, Capital Region Water, Impact Harrisburg, the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the state Department of Community and Economic Development and PennVEST. All five of these sites were first targeted for renovations in 2015 during substantial public input from residents and community groups on what they hoped to see at the park.

“It started with a survey of residents to identify the needs of the community,” Says Charlotte Katzenmoyer, Capital Region Water, CEO “then continued with frequent community meetings, and feedback sessions. Engaging the community is an early step in the Capital Improvements process. We care deeply about how our work effects the community. It should be mutually beneficial, and mutually cared for.”

In addition to the park unveiling, Capital Region Water introduced their Adopt-A-Rain Garden Program. This new plan is designed to increase community involvement as volunteers adopt and help maintain rain gardens and green stormwater infrastructure by keeping them clean and litter free. Volunteers will be recognized with a sign at their rain garden and Capital Region Water staff will assist with training. The program is available to organizations, businesses, or individuals. Applications are available on Capital Region Water’s website, or by contacting the Customer Service Center at 888-510-0606 or by email at info@capitalregionwater.com.

On Wednesday, Aug. 11, the greater Harrisburg area had a deluge of rainfall from a severe thunderstorm that created localized flooding in many neighborhoods. Local rainfall data showed we received almost 2.5 inches, which fell between 1.4 and 1.65 inches in less than 30 minutes in a very short amount of time – about 30 minutes. Several areas within Capital Region Water’s service territory reported localized flooding and sewer backups related to this storm system. 

Managing stormwater remains one of the city’s biggest challenges, where outdated infrastructure is unable to convey this amount of rainfall to the treatment plant due to the intensity of the rainfall in such a short period of time. There is no single solution to these stormwater issues, especially as extreme weather events become more frequent, and solutions are often needed from all parties that convey stormwater into CRW’s antiquated system. 

For its part, CRW works to repair and maintain almost 4,000 storm drains to prevent local flooding. But those efforts are mitigated by drains that fill with trash or debris. About 60% of Harrisburg drains into a combined sewer system, which collects stormwater and wastewater from homes in the same pipe. The system can be overwhelmed during large rain events. CRW currently is undergoing capital projects to reduce these overflows, even as we address a backlog of deferred maintenance projects that stretches back decades. 

What is CRW doing now? Our crews have been working tirelessly to respond to all service calls that came in to our customer service center. Making every effort to resolve issues efficiently and effectively within our collection system. Crews will continue to work on those service calls until all have been addressed. 

What can you do to help in your neighborhood? If you know thunderstorms are imminent, check the storm drains on your street. If they are blinded with litter and/or leaves on the top of the drain, clear the debris to allow rainwater to reach the pipes in the drain structure. If there is debris below the surface, call CRW at 888-510-0606 so that we can have our crews clean out the structure. 

We all should do our part and we cannot do it without YOU.

DRINKING WATER PROBLEM CORRECTED

EL PROBLEMA DE AGUA POTABLE ESTA CORREGIDO

Customers of Capital Region Water were notified on Monday, July 12, 2021 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: July 14, 2021

DRINKING WATER WARNING– 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, November 24, 2021, we experienced a loss of positive water pressure due to a water main break impacting the properties at 2305, 2307, 2309, 2311, 2312, 2313, 2314, 2315, 2316, 2317, 2318, 2319, 2320, 2321, 2322, 2323, 2325, 2327, 2329, 2331, 2333, 2334, 2336, 2338, 2349, and 2351 Penn 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 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?

A water main break created a low/no pressure situation at this location. Efforts are underway to isolate the leak 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,

100 Pine Dr, Harrisburg, PA 17103

1-888-510-0606

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: November 24, 2021

Capital Region Water’s Joint Pollutant Reduction Plan with the Paxton Creek Cooperative has received a 2021 National Environmental Achievement Award (NEAA). The Watershed Collaboration Award is given for an outstanding watershed-based collaborative management initiative or program focused on cost-effective solutions to environmental challenges. Capital Region Water is proud to partner with Lower Paxton Township and Susquehanna Township as well as PennDOT to improve local water quality and the health of Paxton Creek.

This annual awards program is presented to NACWA member public clean water utilities that have made outstanding contributions to environmental protection, their communities, ratepayers, and the water sector. Though the award winners could not gather in person this year, Adam Krantz, Chief Executive Officer of NACWA, virtually applauds this year’s recipients, noting:

“Despite the many challenges and setbacks that we faced as a nation and a global community in 2020, these NACWA member public utilities were able to deliver on the promise of continued and reliable clean water services. The herculean efforts by the staff and leadership of the over 300 utilities that comprise NACWA’s membership cannot be overstated, particularly their work as front line environmental first responders. Truly, America’s public clean water utilities held steadfast in their commitment to serve and inspire their communities throughout the course of the pandemic.”

Additionally, Capital Region Water received a Premier Project award from the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission in the Growing Within Our Environment category for their water main rehabilitation project along Cameron Street. The original 1880s pipes were losing a significant amount of water due to breaks and leaks, so 5,800 feet of water main was lined with cured-in-place-pipe technology. This lining will prevent further water loss, and compared to traditional construction, the trenchless process reduced cost, time, and negative impacts to nearby streams and natural resources. Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc. (HRG) provided engineering services on this project.

Capital Region Water’s Board of Directors voted to approve 2021 budgets and rates during its public monthly meeting Tuesday, November 24, presenting a plan that ensures compliance with state and federal clean water obligations, continues investments in systemwide infrastructure improvements, provides for an expansion of customer assistance programs and works to avoid rate spikes in subsequent years.

Drinking water rates will increase by 2% from the current $9.84 to $10.04 per 1,000 gallons with a monthly “Ready to Serve” charge of $7.93 for a standard 5/8” sized tap. Wastewater rates for Harrisburg city residents will increase by 3% from the current $7.99 per 1,000 gallons to $8.23 per 1,000 gallons. There will not be any change to the stormwater fee for Harrisburg residents. The average residential property will continue to see a flat fee of $6.15 per month.

“Capital Region Water has and will continue to make prudent financial decisions that balance the need for critical infrastructure investments with the affordability challenges facing many of our customers,” said Capital Region Water CEO Charlotte Katzenmoyer. “This past year has presented unprecedented challenges due to the ongoing pandemic and I am extremely proud of the work this staff has done to adapt and adjust. This budget is yet another reflection of Capital Region Water’s commitment to customer satisfaction and stewardship of our community’s water systems.”

Under the new rate structure, the average Harrisburg customer consuming 45,000 gallons of water annually will pay approximately $1.80 per month more for water and wastewater services. Capital Region Water’s drinking water and wastewater rates and the stormwater fee continue to be comparable to other utilities in the region.

As a municipal authority, Capital Region Water, which is audited annually by an independent financial auditing firm, does not earn a profit and invests its revenue into operating and improving the Harrisburg area’s drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems.

For more information on the 2021 drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater budgets and rates, please visit https://capitalregionwater.com/resources/financial-reports/.