Bucks Co. Water & Sewer Investments Fuel Development Across Region

WARRINGTON, PA — By investing in its sewer system and expanding capacity, the Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority said it is fueling new economic growth across Southeastern Pennsylvania.

According to a recent analysis, the authority reports approving 47 development projects since 2024, totaling 1,252 Equivalent Dwelling Units (EDUs), the standardized unit of measure that represents the typical daily sewage usage generated by a single-family household.

The authority’s analysis reviewed all approved development projects over the last two years. Individuals and developers must obtain BCWSA approval for the number of EDUs required for their proposed projects. Commercial, industrial, or multi-family residences are assigned EDUs based on a comparative flow demand and waste strength using an established industry methodology.

Approvals are required to verify that local sewer systems can support anticipated sewage flows from new developments, the authority said. It ensures that the sewer system is not overloaded, preventing public health issues, infrastructure complications, and environmental problems.

“Water and sanitary sewers are the base foundation for all economic development growth throughout the region," said Ben Jones, CEO, BCWSA. “The lifeblood of the economic development within the region is treatment capacity. We are currently building $155 million worth of improvements to help provide the necessary capacity. This is our investment in the future for the municipalities we serve and our customers.”

According to the authority, 14 municipalities benefited from the approved EDUs for development projects. Middletown Township had the most EDUs approved with 260 from eight projects. The breakdown of municipalities with approved EDUs over the last two years includes:

The authority reports that local municipalities serviced by BCWSA are experiencing various growth opportunities through residential and commercial development. Through rigorous inspections, ongoing maintenance, and strategic investments of its sewer system, the authority said it is providing townships and boroughs with the ability to generate new economic opportunities, including new jobs, housing for all ages, closer healthcare, and lifestyle amenities.

More than 10 industries were represented in the approved development projects, including manufacturing, healthcare, education, hospitality, automotive, assisted living and professional services. Additionally, local municipalities and school districts receive millions of dollars in new tax revenues to support essential services for residents and businesses.

“The municipalities we serve realize this is a partnership to provide them with the infrastructure that they need,” said Jones. “We provide the infrastructure that provides for the jobs, schools, hospitals, and new housing.”

Jones continued, “We are helping to build on the economic growth that brought people to these counties, and we will continue to do so to ensure the long-term viability of this region is secure.”

In December 2022, the authority sold $197.6 million in bonds, dedicating $155 million to make significant upgrades and repairs across its sewer system with the remaining portion allocated to paying existing debt. A significant portion of the investment is dedicated to the Neshaminy Interceptor, which transports raw sewage from several municipalities across Lower Bucks County that BCWSA serves to Philadelphia for sewage treatment. The upgrades will allow the system to handle increased flow.

Click here to view the EDU analysis.