Chester Water Authority

Chester Water Authority Municipal Water Report Info

Our Mission
Chester Water Authority's core mission is providing quality water to all customers when needed at reasonable rates. Our water meets or exceeds all standards established by Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, US Environmental Protection Agency, and American Water Works Association. We not only address current customer needs but plan strategically for future requirements through careful growth planning, while maintaining the lowest practical rates to cover operations, maintenance, capital requirements, and safety obligations.

The Benefit to Our Customers
As a city authority serving over 200,000 people, businesses, and industries, Chester Water Authority operates without shareholders requiring dividends. This allows us to maintain lower rates than private utility companies while directing more resources toward infrastructure improvements like storage tanks, pipeline rehabilitation, and distribution system reinforcement. Our goals are specifically focused on meeting the needs of Delaware and Chester County communities we serve, transcending county boundaries through integrated regional service.

Our History
Chester Water Authority's origins date to 1866 when an Assembly act enabled Chester to build waterworks pending property owner approval. The South Ward was first to adopt this measure, initiating construction of the South Ward Waterworks. On July 1, 1868, Delaware River water was first pumped into a 1.5 million gallon reservoir on Concord Road, serving 67 customers with an 800,000 gallon daily capacity.

Growing industrial and residential demand led to the sale of South Ward Waterworks to New Chester Water Company in 1885. By 1911, the customer base had expanded to 8,875 with daily demand reaching 3.4 million gallons. In 1927, structural changes transformed the organization into Chester Water Service Company.

Due to Delaware River water quality degradation causing taste and odor issues, the Chester Municipal Authority was created in 1939, acquiring all assets of Chester Water Service Company including the waterworks, 141 miles of water mains, and 597 fire hydrants.

Today, following decades of capital expansion and infrastructure investment, Chester Water Authority treats and distributes fresh water through 656 miles of pipeline to over 42,000 customers serving approximately 200,000 people. Our storage facilities can hold up to 106 million gallons—about three days' average supply—representing remarkable growth from our 1866 origins serving just 67 customers.