Capital Region Water responded to a federal court’s ruling that grants intervenor status to the Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper as the authority continues its work with state and federal regulators on an updated consent decree that outlines clean water commitments.

“Capital Region Water remains focused on finding equitable and innovative ways to reduce combined sewer overflows, repair aging infrastructure, address localized flooding and runoff, and meet state and federal clean water requirements, while also minimizing the burden on our ratepayers,” CRW Chief Executive Officer Charlotte Katzenmoyer said.

“We have made tremendous progress over the years to address a backlog of deferred maintenance projects and upgrade outdated and undersized wastewater and stormwater infrastructure,” she continued. “We look forward to updating and finalizing the consent decree as we continue to meet our clean water commitments to protect and enhance the long-term health of our city and its waterways.”

Harrisburg is one of dozens of combined sewer overflow (CSO) communities around the country under consent decrees or orders to control runoff into local waterways.

Capital Region Water has been operating under a partial consent decree since 2015 to update its infrastructure to reduce combined sewer overflows that discharge into the Susquehanna River and Paxton Creek. The authority is developing decree updates and a final consent decree with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). A plan was submitted in 2018, and Capital Region Water has continually been engaged with both EPA and DEP to reach a final, approved long-term control plan as well as a schedule of near-term actions to be implemented for substantial clean water progress.

On Friday, December 17, 2021, the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania approved the Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper’s request to intervene in the decree case.

Since 2013, Capital Region Water has invested more than $170 million to improve its water and wastewater infrastructure. As part of its City Beautiful H2O Program, Capital Region Water will spend hundreds of millions more to meet state and federal clean water requirements. Enactment of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act creates new opportunities, with Pennsylvania set to receive $1.4 billion over five years for water infrastructure improvements.

Capital Region Water’s Board of Directors voted to approve 2022 budgets and rates during its public monthly meeting held Tuesday, November 23. Using the organization’s core value of “Flowing Together”, Capital Region Water presented a plan to continue investing in the city’s future while balancing the affordability challenges facing so many of its customers.

Drinking water rates will increase by 3% from the current $10.04 to $10.34 per 1,000 gallons with a monthly “Ready to Serve” charge of $8.17 for a standard 5/8” sized tap. Wastewater rates for Harrisburg city residents will increase by 4% from the current $8.23 per 1,000 gallons to $8.56 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.

“At Capital Region Water, we are focused on finding equitable and creative ways to repair aging infrastructure, reduce combined sewer overflows, address localized flooding and runoff, and meet state and federal clean water requirements,” explains Capital Region Water CEO Charlotte Katzenmoyer. “It’s a testament to our leadership that we’ve been able to keep rates predictable each year we present our proposal.”

Under the new rate structure, the average Harrisburg customer consuming 45,000 gallons of water annually will pay approximately $2.60 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.

The recently passed Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will provide approximately $17.8 billion in new spending allocated to Pennsylvania. The state can expect to receive $1.4 billion over five years to improve water infrastructure, and Capital Region Water plans to pursue that funding.

“We also look forward to working with City of Harrisburg officials to maximize the investment of American Rescue Plan Act or ARPA resources which provide about $48 million locally,” added Marc Kurowski, Capital Region Water Board Chair. “With water and sewer infrastructure projects as an eligible use of funds, investments to reduce pollution just make environmental and financial sense.” 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 drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater budgets and rates, please visit https://capitalregionwater.com/resources/financial-reports/.

Capital Region Water applauds the passage of infrastructure legislation providing for further investment in clean and safe water services. Enactment of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act serves to support Capital Region Water’s short- and long-term capital spending plans.

“With this federal funding, Capital Region Water could have a unique opportunity to help alleviate the burden of cost on our customers,” said Capital Region Water CEO Katzenmoyer. “These funds would shorten our project horizon and ensure we continue to provide affordable water services for the most vulnerable customers in our region as we complete all needed capital improvements”.

Capital Region Water will present proposed 2022 drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater budgets and rates to the Board of Directors for consideration during a public meeting beginning at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, November 17, 2021.

“The budget proposal process is an important step towards ensuring safe and reliable drinking water and wastewater service continues for our customers,” explains Katzenmoyer. “With our core value “Flowing Together” as our theme this year, Capital Region Water strives to be proficient in investing in our city’s future while balancing the affordability challenges facing so many of our customers. It’s a testament to our leadership that we’ve been able to keep rates predictable.”

The 2022 proposed budget priorities and initiatives include:

• Investment in critical infrastructure including $10.4 million in capital improvement projects for the drinking water system, $32.2 million in capital improvement projects for the wastewater system, and almost $7.6 million in green stormwater infrastructure improvements;
• Implementation of the Long-Term Control Plan that has been negotiated with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to improve local water quality;
• Optimization of the Customer Experience through assistance and incentive programs; and
• Partnership to continue wastewater testing for COVID-19.

The recently passed Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will provide approximately $17.8 billion in new spending allocated to Pennsylvania. The state can expect to receive $1.4 billion over five years to improve water infrastructure.

As a municipal authority, Capital Region Water is eligible to pursue forgivable loans and grant opportunities such as those provided through this new legislation. 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’s Board of Directors will meet for the Special Board Meeting. Customers are encouraged to attend and provide comment. Meeting details can be found at https://capitalregionwater.com/board-meetings/. The Board of Directors is scheduled to approve 2022 budgets and rates at their Regular Meeting at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, November 23.

EL PROBLEMA DE AGUA POTABLE ESTA CORREGIDO

Customers of Capital Region Water were notified on Wednesday, November 3, 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: 11/6/2021

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 3, 2021, we experienced a loss of positive water pressure due to a water main break impacting 416 Maclay Street, 2201 N. 4^th Street, 2200 & 2156 N. 5^th Street, and 405, 406, 409, 413, 414, 415, 416, 417, 418, 419, 420 & 421 Woodbine 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 repair the break 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: November 3, 2021

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.