19257_Authority_June_2026

municipalauthorities.org │ 51 and small business growth. Erie’s lakefront location offers one of the country’s best urban access points to freshwater recreation. Our 3,200 acre Presque Isle State Park, a world-class natural asset, is the most frequented in Pennsylvania with over four million visitors per year, which is more than Yosemite National Park. As Erie moves forward, its water system faces both challenges and opportunities. Aging infrastructure continues to be a significant challenge, and Erie Water Works’ $65 million capital budget in 2026 underscores the scale of investment required to maintain and improve the system. One of the most important projects on the horizon is the rebuilding of the iconic 1904 Chestnut Water Treatment Plant, a cornerstone of Erie’s water system for more than a century. This effort will ensure that the facility continues to meet modern standards while preserving its critical role in the region’s water infrastructure. At the same time, Lake Erie remains an abundant and vital resource. Protecting this source and maintaining high water quality standards will remain central to the mission of Erie Water Works. The history of the Erie City Water Authority is a story of innovation, growth, and public service. From the Reed farm’s spring water carried through hollowed logs to a modern regional utility serving more than 221,000 people, the system has continually evolved to meet the needs of the community. Operating since 1992 as the Erie City Water Authority, Erie Water Works carries forward a legacy that began nearly two centuries ago. Through continued investment, strong leadership, and a commitment to excellence—including major initiatives like the modernization of the Chestnut Water Treatment Plant—the organization remains a cornerstone of public health, economic development, and the long-term vitality of Erie County and the broader northwest Pennsylvania region. S Evolution article continued from page 46.