19119_Authority_April_2026

56 The Authority │ April supplies. If needed, we provide a cost analysis to develop new systems to serve their needs. We communicate how those costs and other fees would be paid by the developer. We explain the regulatory framework and permitting process for water and sewer connections. We plan out the water system design, permitting and construction schedules to help them understand timing constraints. And, most importantly, if LCA cannot serve the development without putting current customers and the environment at risk, we tell them so. In the case of Eli Lilly, this hard work paid off, and they decided to invest in the Lehigh Valley. Is it possible that the proposed data centers will be approved to connect to LCA water and sewer systems? For now, it’s too early to say because we have no information on which to base an opinion. Residents can feel confident that LCA will not approve service connections that threaten supply reliability or our environment. The Myth: Growth Drives Up Your Water Bill Customers are clearly concerned about data centers and their impact on the cost of water. However, data centers are not predicted to be a major driver of water or sewer bill increases. If new water facilities – pump stations, new pipelines, or additional water supply facilities – are needed to serve a proposed development in LCA’s service area, those costs are paid by the development as part of their overall construction cost . In addition, once connected, the new development pays their way through the same water and sewer rates that all customers pay. Still, we understand that water costs are increasing every year, and the public may fear that long-term growth is a factor that will drive costs and threaten our finite supply of water. LCA sees the cost of water is increasing, and we want customers to understand why. Aging infrastructure is a core concern, with buried pipelines passing the 100-year mark in many cities such as Allentown and needing to be replaced with greater frequency. New regulatory standards are adding to the burden, and costs are escalating rapidly. For example, in the next 10 years, LCA will replace every lead pipe in our water system at a cost of more than $300 million. These system needs are causing water and sewer bills to rise rapidly, at a time when customers are already feeling the pinch in their household budget for items such as housing, power, and groceries. It is understandable that the news about huge, expensive developments might cause people to think this is driving their water costs higher. LCA’s planning approach, however, protects customers from the cost of development. Looking Backward and Forward In the Lehigh Valley, the story of manufacturing is well known. The historical icons of manufacturing once located in our urban centers have departed, and a new generation of companies found their home in once undeveloped regions closer to highways. Residential growth has followed, with suburban housing developments multiplying in our region over the past 30 years. LCA article continued from page 11.