City Council discusses progress and results of Water Management Survey

By Emily Wright

LOCK HAVEN, PA  – Lock Haven City Council met for its regular meeting Monday night, this time outdoors at the Hammermill Park. All council members were present, with Richard Morris attending virtually. Although the agenda for the meeting was brief, it provided an update in regard to recent discussions around city water suppliers and projects.

The Suburban Water Authority recently fulfilled its obligation to provide a letter to the City of Lock Haven, as per the cost-sharing agreement established last year. Suburban’s completion of the letter requirement signifies progress in the cost-sharing agreement between the Suburban and filtration authorities.

Under the terms of the agreement, both parties are required to submit letters outlining their respective positions and commitments. The filtration authority’s letter is still pending. Once received, it will be reviewed by the City’s legal team.

The letter from the Suburban Water Authority clarifies its position in regard to the ongoing upgrades to the dam and reservoirs that supply water. In the letter, Chairman Jack Peters states that the Board of Directors would like to express their willingness to pay Suburban Water’s share of all expenses associated with the upgrades, including the cost of the land where the wells will be located. Peters emphasized that “If Suburban is going to share in all other costs associated with the wells it only makes sense to share in all costs”.

Suburban Waters’ only request is that they be included in the planning and decision-making process, rather than just being asked to pay their share after the project has been committed to. In conclusion, they expressed their commitment to working amicably with the City of Lock Haven in the best interest of their customers.

In addition to this development, the City conducted a Water Survey to gauge public opinion on water rates and the possibility of establishing a joint municipal authority. Although efforts were made to engage a larger number of participants, only 44 individuals responded to the survey. Out of those 44 respondents, 40 were customers who receive their water bills from the City of Lock Haven.

The results of the survey indicated that 76% of respondents better understood the need for the city to raise water rates. Further, 47% favored the establishment of a joint municipal authority, while 31% expressed satisfaction with the existing arrangement of water management. Only 22% preferred sole municipal authority. The 47% of survey respondents in favor of a joint municipal authority suggests that a collaborative approach would be the most favorable option.

It was indicated that as the city of Lock Haven moves forward, it will be important to carefully consider the preferences and feedback of the community, ensuring that decisions reflect the best interests of the residents.