By continually investing in its sewer system to expand capacity, BCWSA’s efforts are supporting new economic growth across Southeastern Pennsylvania. According to a recent analysis, the utility services authority approved 47 development projects since 2024 totaling 1,252 Equivalent Dwelling Units (EDUs), the standardized unit of measure that represents the typical daily sewage usage generated by a single-family household.
BCWSA’s analysis reviewed all approved development projects over the last two years. Individuals and developers must obtain approval from BCWSA for the number of EDUs that will be required for their proposed projects. Commercial, industrial, or multi-family residences are assigned EDUs based on a comparative flow demand and waste strength using an established industry methodology.
Approvals are required to verify that local sewer systems can support anticipated sewage flows from new developments. It ensures that the sewer system is not overloaded, preventing public health issues, infrastructure complications, and environmental problems.
“Water and sanitary are the base foundation for all economic development growth throughout the region, “said Ben Jones, CEO, BCWSA. “The life blood of the economic development within the region is treatment capacity. We are currently building $155 million worth of improvements to help provide the necessary capacity. This is our investment in the future for the municipalities we serve and our customers.”
Fourteen municipalities benefited from the approved EDUs for development projects. Middletown Township had the most EDUs approved with 260 from eight projects. The breakdown of municipalities with approved EDUs over the last two years includes:
| Municipality | Total Approved EDUs |
| Middletown | 260 |
| West Vincent | 193 |
| Upper Dublin | 142 |
| Bensalem | 138 |
| Warrington | 135 |
| Doylestown Twp | 130 |
| Solebury | 90 |
| Doylestown Boro | 45 |
| Bristol Twp | 43 |
| New Britain Boro | 20 |
| Bristol Boro | 20 |
| Plumstead | 16 |
| Lower South | 14 |
| Doylestown | 6 |
The local municipalities serviced by BCWSA are experiencing various growth opportunities through residential and commercial development. Through rigorous inspections, ongoing maintenance and strategic investments of its sewer system, BCWSA is providing townships and boroughs with the ability to generate new economic opportunities. This includes new jobs, housing for all ages, closer healthcare, and lifestyle amenities.
More than 10 industries were represented in the approved development projects, including manufacturing, healthcare, education, hospitality, automotive, assisted living and professional services. Additionally, local municipalities and school districts receive millions of dollars in new tax revenues to support essential services for residents and businesses.
“The municipalities we serve realize this is a partnership to provide them with the infrastructure that they need,” said Jones. “We provide the infrastructure that provides for the jobs, schools, hospitals, and new housing.”
Jones continued, “We are helping to build on the economic growth that brought people to these counties, and we will continue to do so to ensure the long-term viability of this region is secure.”
In December 2022, the Authority sold $197.6 million in bonds, dedicating $155 million to make significant upgrades and repairs across its sewer system with the remaining portion allocated to paying existing debt. A significant portion of the total investment is dedicated to the Neshaminy Interceptor, which takes raw sewage from several municipalities across Lower Bucks County that BCWSA serves to Philadelphia for sewage treatment. The upgrades will allow the system to handle increased flow.
Visit BCWSA.net to view the EDU analysis.
Bucks County Water & Sewer Authority (BCWSA) – is an independent, non-profit agency formed in 1962 under the Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities Act. We are one of the largest water and sewer authorities in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania providing water and sewer services to more than 100,000 households, business accounts, and some 525,000 people in the southeastern Pennsylvania region.