Last week, the Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County announced that its water rates for 2016 would be increased by 25%, or approximately $85 a year. Residents were also told that our bills would increase by an additional 7% in 2017 and 2018, respectively.

We, the residents of Westmoreland County, feel that this increase is not only unfair, but also ludicrous. We do not feel that we should be held responsible for the poor planning and faulty management of the MAWC.

The MAWC has stated that the borrowing will pay for "miles of line replacement, dam upgrades and increasing capacity at MAWC’s three treatment plants." However, the lack of transparency between the MAWC and the public is disturbing.

We are not opposed to reasonable rate increases. We understand that equipment ages and needs to be replaced. However, an increase of nearly 40% over the course of the next three years is unjust and cause for suspicion.

Please, MAWC, reverse this increase. 

CUSTOMERS: Please sign and share this petition with all of your friends and family who are affected by this rate increase. Also, please contact your local legislators and ask them to investigate the matter. A full list of representatives can be found here: http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/findyourlegislator/

Thank you for your support.