When Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority (BCWSA) purchased Bristol Borough’s water and sewer treatment system and plant for $50 Million in 2023, a part of the sale agreement included rates would remain the same for three years.
BCWSA, more than three years after purchasing the system is raising rates effective Jan 1, officials announced.
The BCWSA said rate changes reflect the terms of the acquisition agreement and are designed to support ongoing infrastructure improvements, system reliability, and long-term sustainability of sewer services.
Borough customers will also be transitioned from a quarterly billing cycle to a monthly billing cycle, the BCWSA said.
Beginning January 1st, customers with a total of four members living in the household who on average about 4,000 gallons a month could see an increase of up to $20 monthly. Single residents, who typically use about 1,000 gallons a month, will see a smaller monthly increase, BCWSA officials said.
The new rates reflect the rising costs for essential services that most utilities around the country are experiencing and ensure the stability of the utility through the millions of dollars BCWSA has already invested in system improvements.
According to BCWSA officials, Since it acquired the Bristol Borough system, more than $2.2 million has been invested by the authority on necessary repairs and maintenance. This includes major upgrades to pipes and wires, new automated monitoring systems that provide real-time data at the treatment facility, new servers, and upgraded security cameras and software. BCWSA also paid an additional $1 million, on top of the sale price, to Bristol Borough when purchasing the sewer system to make necessary repairs to the bridge used to access the plant.
“We understand that any rate change impacts our customers, and we remain committed to transparency and responsible stewardship of the sewer system,” CEO Benjamin Jones said. “These adjustments are part of BCWSA’s broader plan to ensure continued investment in the system and to maintain high-quality service for residents and businesses in Bristol Borough.”
Customers are encouraged to visit www.bcwsa.net or contact BCWSA’s customer service team at 215-343-2538 with any questions or concerns.
