If you are a resident of Newtown Township or Newtown Borough, you probably received an email from the Newtown Bucks County Joint Municipal Authority, aka Newtown Sewer Authority, which states “The Newtown, Bucks County Joint Municipal Authority (Authority) is actively pursuing construction of our own wastewater treatment facility.” The Authority recently acquired a 17.5-acre parcel between the Newtown Bypass and Lower Silver Lake Road as a future site for a brand-new wastewater (aka sewage) treatment plant. For more on that, read “#NewtownPA Sewer Authority Purchases Land for Sewage Treatment Plant.”

The notice also states: "We will keep our customers and community apprised of updates as progress continues. Rates will increase in January from $82 to $120.54 per quarter for the 10,000 gallon minimum." This is a 43% increase in rates. As one resident said: “I think it's 'criminal' for the Newtown Sewer Authority to do this without notifying us in advance so we could have organized to defeat this 46% increase.  The BCWSA was a much better plan” – email from resident Bill D.

At the September 10, 2024, Sewer Authority Board meeting, it was revealed that the potential cost of the plan is $150 million! “Can of Worms” regarding issuing a public bond to secure funding was mentioned. Not to worry, the Authority has hired a public relations firm! Meanwhile, the Authority says it will work to “ensure that the advanced technology we envision for the plant addresses any potential concerns from residents.”

What are YOUR concerns? What do YOU think of the rate increase? Please complete this short survey. Be sure to include any comments you think are appropriate. A summary of the results will be presented at the October 21, 2024, Meet Mack Zoom meeting.