Right now, Aqua Pennsylvania is using the full force of its corporate power to attempt a hostile takeover of the non-profit, publicly-owned Chester Water Authority (CWA).

If Aqua’s takeover attempt is successful, the people served by CWA would likely see their annual water bill go up by hundreds of dollars. And they wouldn’t be the only ones to suffer.

We've been told that after its attack on CWA, Aqua is planning on going after Philadelphia’s public water system -- which could raise the city's water prices by nearly $700.

But there is hope. A bill has been introduced in the PA General Assembly that would stop hostile corporate takeovers of public water and wastewater systems. Together we can get this bill passed.

Sign the petition demanding that the General Assembly pass HB 1936 now.

In 2016, state lawmakers passed Act 12, which gave private companies the ability to buy up public water and wastewater systems that aren’t in financial or operational distress. The legislation also made it possible for private companies to put in offers that are way more than the systems are actually worth.

As a result, every public water and wastewater system in Pennsylvania is now vulnerable to a corporate takeover. But especially those in cities and municipalities that are struggling financially.

If a city is in financial trouble -- as many are after spending nearly two years in a pandemic -- it is very tempting for city leaders to accept a high dollar bid for its water system. But while such a sale would allow the city government to pay off its debts, city residents would wind up paying the price with ridiculously high water bills.

Act now to stop corporate water profiteers from jacking up PA’s water prices.

The bi-partisan bill recently introduced in the General Assembly -- HB 1936 -- would amend Act 12 to say that a public water or wastewater utility cannot be bought by a private company unless it is in financial or operational distress.

If this bill passes, it would protect CWA, Philadelphia’s public water system, and all of the other well-functioning public water and wastewater systems across the state.

But Aqua has bought itself a lot of influence in the General Assembly. If we want to get this bill passed, Pennsylvanians like you to speak out and show your state representatives that you will not tolerate the corporate takeover of your water supply.

Together we can save Pennsylvania’s public water systems.

More information