City Council, Philadelphia Energy Authority Launch Water & Sewer Line Protection Program

Philadelphia, Oct. 30, 2018 – Councilmembers Derek S. Green (At-Large), Cherelle Parker (9th District), Allan Domb (At-Large,) Blondell Reynolds Brown (At-Large), Brian J. O’Neill (10th District) on Tuesday joined the Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA) and Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) to announce the launch of the Water and Sewer Service Line Protection Program to protect Philadelphia homeowners from costly water and sewer service line repairs.

Philadelphia homeowners now have the option of signing up for low-cost protection plans covering repairs and replacements to service lines that extend from city water and sewer mains to the home, which are the responsibility of homeowners and are typically not covered by homeowners’ insurance. The Water and Sewer Service Line Protection Program will help shield homeowners from unexpected and costly repairs associated with pipe breaks and failures.

“I don’t know anyone who likes to be caught off guard with an unexpected expense, but nonetheless, life happens,” Councilmember Green said. “The Water and Sewer Service Line Protection Program offers an even greater layer of security and peace of mind for our hardworking citizens. I applaud the Philadelphia Energy Authority and American Water Resources for their collaborative efforts and continuous dedication to helping improve life for our residents.”

“Aging water and sewer lines can create real problems, and I’ve seen how hard it can hit my constituents’ budgets,” Councilmember Parker added. “Many homeowners don’t realize they are responsible for these lines, not the Water Department, and are surprised that their homeowners’ insurance doesn’t cover the repair. This program is very much needed, and I commend PEA for taking this program on, and encourage homeowners in my district to learn more.”

This program is also projected to help PWD manage energy and delivery costs associated with leaky service lines, which may help keep customer rates low.

American Water Resources was selected through a competitive public procurement process to manage the Water and Sewer Service Line Protection Program. Protection plans feature low monthly program fees, timely repairs, high-quality service. and no dollar limit on covered claims. Homeowners can sign up to purchase a plan by calling 844-765-7260 or visiting www.AWRUSA.com/Philadelphia.

“It requires massive amounts of energy for the Water Department to serve all Philadelphians,” PEA Executive Director Emily Schapira said. “Thanks to the leadership of City Council, repairing these lines will be in reach for more Philadelphians, reducing the wasted water and energy due to leaks, and saving the Water Department and consumers money.”

“Residential property owners are often challenged by the process – and the cost – to repair a broken water service or sewer lateral,” Water Commissioner Debra McCarty said. “Offering property owners an affordable method to keep their services in good repair is a win-win for our customers and for our utility.”

“Homeowners across the city, from South Philadelphia to the Far Northeast, are susceptible to service line problems from normal wear and tear that are not typically covered by homeowners insurance,” American Water Resources President Eric Palm said. “We are proud to be selected by the Philadelphia Energy Authority to provide service line protection plans and we look forward to offering Philadelphia Water Department customers the best in support and service, when a claim arises.”

The Water and Sewer Service Line Protection Program is available to Philadelphia households as of today. American Water Resources will establish a local contractor network with at least 60 percent of all claim services performed by minority, women and/or disabled business enterprises. Program enrollees will receive 24-hour support via a toll-free hotline dedicated to Philadelphia homeowners, and a one-year warranty on all covered repairs, with no forms to submit and no deductibles, service fees, or co-pays.

American Water Resources is a subsidiary of the nation’s largest publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company already services 400,000 customer contracts across the state of Pennsylvania.

About Philadelphia Energy Authority

PEA is an independent municipal authority focused on issues of energy affordability and sustainability for Philadelphia. In early 2016, in partnership with City Council President Darrell L. Clarke, PEA launched the Philadelphia Energy Campaign, a $1 billion, 10-year investment in energy efficiency and clean energy projects in four sectors: city buildings, public schools, low- and moderate-income housing, and small businesses. PEA believes that energy is an important tool for economic development, reducing poverty, improving educational environments, strengthening communities, and preserving affordable housing.

About American Water Resources

American Water Resources offers service line protection programs to homeowners in 43 states and Washington, D.C., and currently services more than 1.8 million contracts. The company has been providing protection programs for more than 17 years. American Water Resources is part of American Water Enterprises, a market-based subsidiary of American Water. With a history dating back to 1886, American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. For more information, visit AWRUSA.com/Philadelphia.