Capital Region Water

The Board discussed various operational and financial initiatives, including the Advanced Wastewater Treatment Facility's energy recovery project and efforts to optimize water service through lead service line replacement and meter infrastructure upgrades. Key administrative actions included the approval of financial advisory services, updates to water operational fee schedules, and the award of maintenance contracts for water and sewer systems. The Board also approved resolutions related to PENNVEST loan financing, authorized chemical procurement for treatment operations, and entered into stormwater operation and maintenance agreements. Additionally, the Board recognized staff achievements and discussed upcoming infrastructure projects and community engagement efforts.

The meeting began with the election of 2026 officers, including the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer, and Assistant Secretary/Treasurer. Presentations included announcing the winners of the 2025 Autumn Poster Design Contest related to the DeHart Dam. Committee reports covered significant financial and operational topics. The Budget and Finance Committee discussed receiving a $500,000 grant for the Progress Avenue water main extension and the approval of a $120 million PENNVEST Wastewater Pro-Fi application. Key administrative actions included approving resolutions to establish 2026 Board Committees and ratifying agreements for ERP software implementation services. Drinking Water approvals involved adopting a resolution for new 2026 variable rates for leak adjustments and authorizing a $45 million PENNVEST Pro-Fi application. Wastewater business included adopting a resolution to reimburse reserve accounts with financing proceeds and approving several task orders and change orders, notably for the AWTF Energy Recovery Improvements Project and procurement of treatment polymers. The Operations and Engineering report detailed updates on sewer and water system improvement projects, including the Paxton Creek Interceptor RFP process.

The meeting involved comprehensive discussions and approvals concerning the 2026 Budgets and Rate Schedules for Administrative, Drinking Water, Wastewater, and Stormwater funds. Key operational updates included the resolution of issues with the renewable natural gas (RNG) purification equipment at the Advanced Wastewater Treatment Facility (AWTF) to ensure continuous operation. Committee reports highlighted personnel matters, including staff updates and the retirement of an HR Generalist, alongside a Pride in Excellence (PIE) Award for a team that mitigated a water main break. Operational reviews covered utility work related to the PennDOT Market Street Bridge replacement, the completion of the locker room project, and updates on insurance claims and the status of stormwater fees. The Board authorized several task orders and change orders, including services for the Spring Creek Interceptor and Pump Station Improvements, the Timber Product Harvest/Sale Agreement for MU4, and engineering services for the Riverfront Park GSI Project. Authorization was also granted to ratify a natural gas contract renewal and proceed with the Solar Interconnection Agreement with PPL, noted as a non-rate revenue opportunity.

This special meeting was held for the purpose of presenting the 2026 draft budgets to the public, with no formal action taken on the budgets during this session. Senior Leadership staff provided presentations covering Human Resources, Shared Services, Drinking Water Operations, Wastewater Operations, Technical Services, and Financial Overviews. The Chief Financial Officer detailed proposed adjustments to volumetric rates for Drinking Water and Wastewater, as well as Stormwater fees for residential customers, and adjustments for wholesale customers. The total estimated monthly increase for a typical City of Harrisburg residential customer was summarized as $6.06. Board members commended staff for their diligent work in limiting rate increases while maintaining service obligations.

The City Beautiful H2O Program Plan for Capital Region Water outlines a 40-year integrated strategy for wastewater and stormwater management in Harrisburg. It aims to benefit the community, control combined sewer overflow (CSO) discharges, reduce localized flooding, ensure reliable service, improve water quality in local waterways, fulfill regulatory requirements, and minimize financial impacts on ratepayers. The plan incorporates a suite of CSO controls, including a centralized retention treatment basin, enhanced conveyance, satellite storage facilities, green stormwater infrastructure, and sewer separation, along with rehabilitation of critical infrastructure.