19257_Authority_June_2026

46 The Authority │ June Creation and Modern Era of the Erie City Water Authority As the twentieth century progressed, suburban growth and regional cooperation extended service into neighboring municipalities. The distribution system expanded through the addition of piping, storage, and pumping facilities, which transformed the utility into a regional resource serving a large portion of Erie County. A significant organizational transformation occurred with the establishment of the Erie City Water Authority. Beginning operations on January 1, 1992, the authority was created to rebuild and modernize one of the oldest water systems in the country. In order to reflect a more regional water utility, the Authority operates under the name Erie Water Works, delivering its mission of “World-Class Water, First-Class Service®” to more than 221,000 residents across Erie County. The authority structure allows the organization to operate independently while remaining accountable to the public. Governed by a nine-member board, Erie Water Works employs approximately 110 highly skilled professionals, including engineers, scientists, and 45 Pennsylvania DEP-licensed operators, ensuring high standards of safety, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence. Since 1992, the organization has invested more than $415 million in infrastructure improvements and system expansion, strengthening its ability to guarantee a continuous, uninterrupted, and reasonably priced supply of high-quality water. This investment supports not only public health but also regional stability and economic development. Strategic investment in a geographic information system nearly 20 years ago has helped with asset management and mobile initiatives. Modern Operations, Infrastructure, and Regional Impact Today, Erie Water Works serves over 64,000 customers across the City of Erie, Harborcreek Township, Lawrence Park Township, Millcreek Township, McKean Township and Borough, Wesleyville Borough, and portions of Summit and Greene Townships. In addition, the system provides bulk water service to Summit and Fairview Townships. Water is drawn from Lake Erie and treated at two primary facilities along Presque Isle Bay : the Chestnut Water Treatment Plant and the Richard S. Wasielewski Water Treatment Plant. The Wasielewski facility utilizes a modern ultrafiltration membrane treatment process to meet stringent federal and state drinking water standards. As an anchor institution in Erie County, the Erie Water Works collaborates with state and federal partners to renew aging infrastructure and improve water quality. Erie Water Works has secured more than $90 million in funding—including $72 million in grants—to remove approximately 7,500 lead service connections and associated downstream galvanized customer lines from the system. Since 2022, our Get the Lead Out program has removed over 6,000 lead goosenecks and 3,000 galvanized services. Nearly all lead will be removed by the end of 2026. Looking Ahead Historically a manufacturing hub, Erie’s economy has evolved to include healthcare, higher education, logistics, plastics, advanced manufacturing, and a growing tourism and tech sector. The city itself is undergoing a major revitalization, with public and private investments along our Bayfront, downtown, and key neighborhoods—focused on housing, infrastructure, s everaL maJor ProJects Were comPLeted in the earLy 1900 s , incLuding a 5,300- ft . extension of the 60- inch intake PiPe across the PeninsuLa ( noW knoW as P resque i sLe s tate P ark ) and into L ake e rie ... Continued on page 51.