York Water Company serves about 180,000 people across central Pennsylvania

York Water Company is a private utility that supplies drinking water to customers in York County and parts of Adams and Lancaster counties in Pennsylvania. It is one of the oldest continuously operating water utilities in the United States, founded in 1816. The company operates its own treatment plants, storage reservoirs, and distribution pipes — it does not buy water from another supplier and resell it.

Because York Water is a private company, not a municipal utility, it is regulated by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC). That means rates, service standards, and billing practices are set by the PUC, not by a local government. If you live in York Water's service area and want water service, you must use York Water; there is no choice of provider.

The company's service territory covers roughly 615 square miles. You can check whether your address is in the service area by entering your zip code on the York Water website or calling their customer service line.

Key Takeaways

  • York Water is a private utility regulated by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, so your rates and service terms are set by state regulators, not by the company alone.
  • Your bill includes the cost of water, a wastewater treatment fee (if you are connected to their system), and any applicable taxes or surcharges.
  • York Water offers budget billing, which spreads your annual costs into equal monthly payments so your bill does not spike in summer.
  • If you fall behind on payment, York Water can shut off your water after proper notice, but Pennsylvania law requires the company to offer a payment plan before disconnection.
  • You can report water quality concerns, billing errors, or service problems to York Water directly, or file a complaint with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission if the company does not resolve the issue.

How your bill is calculated and what each charge means

York Water bills on a bimonthly cycle — you receive a bill every two months, not every month. The bill shows your water usage in hundreds of gallons (called "units"). The company reads your meter in person or, at some addresses, remotely.

Your bill typically includes three main parts: the water charge (based on how much you used), a fixed customer service charge (the same every billing period), and a wastewater treatment charge if your home is connected to York Water's wastewater system. Some customers have their own septic systems and do not pay the wastewater fee. Taxes and any applicable surcharges appear as separate line items.

Rates vary depending on whether you are a residential customer, a business, or an industrial user. Residential rates are lower than commercial rates. York Water files rate changes with the PUC, and the PUC must approve any increase. When rates change, York Water sends notice to all affected customers before the new rates take effect.

Payment methods and budget billing options

York Water accepts payment by mail, phone, online through their website, or automatic bank draft. Automatic draft is often the easiest method because your payment is deducted on a set date each billing cycle and you do not have to remember to pay.

If your bill varies a lot from month to month — for example, if you use much more water in summer than in winter — you can enroll in budget billing. Budget billing averages your annual water costs and divides them into 12 equal monthly payments. This means your bill stays roughly the same all year instead of spiking when you water a lawn or fill a pool. After 12 months, York Water recalculates your average based on actual usage and adjusts your monthly payment for the next year.

To enroll in budget billing, contact York Water's customer service. You must be current on your account (not behind on payments) to join the program.

What happens if you miss a payment or fall behind

If your bill is not paid by the due date shown on your invoice, York Water will send you a past-due notice. Pennsylvania law requires the company to give you at least 10 days from the date of that notice before it can shut off your water for non-payment.

Before disconnection, York Water must offer you a payment plan. A payment plan lets you pay your past-due balance in installments over time rather than all at once. The company cannot refuse a reasonable payment plan offer. If you contact York Water before your water is shut off and work out a plan, your service will not be interrupted.

If your water is shut off, you must pay the full past-due balance plus any reconnection fee to restore service. Reconnection fees vary; contact York Water for the current amount. In winter months (typically November through March), Pennsylvania law places additional restrictions on water shutoffs for households with children or elderly or disabled residents, though the company can still disconnect if you refuse a payment plan.

Water quality and testing

York Water tests its water regularly to meet federal and state safety standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The company publishes an annual water quality report, called a Consumer Confidence Report, that shows the results of those tests. You can request a copy from York Water or read it on their website.

If you notice discolored water, sediment, or an unusual taste or smell, contact York Water when ready. The company has a process for investigating water quality complaints. Most discoloration is caused by sediment in the pipes and clears up after running your tap for a few minutes, but York Water will send someone to check if the problem persists.

If you believe York Water's water is unsafe or that the company is not meeting EPA standards, you can file a complaint with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection or contact the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline.

Service interruptions and emergency repairs

York Water performs routine maintenance on its pipes and treatment plants. Planned maintenance is usually announced in advance, and the company notifies customers of any service interruptions. During maintenance, your water pressure may be low or your water may be shut off temporarily.

Emergencies — such as a major pipe break — can cause unplanned service interruptions. York Water has an emergency line for reporting problems like no water, low pressure, or water main breaks. Call their customer service number to report an emergency 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If you experience a service interruption that lasts more than a few hours, you may be may have access to to a credit on your bill. Contact York Water to request a credit; the company will review your account and determine whether one applies.

Disputing a bill or filing a complaint

If you believe your bill is wrong — for example, if your meter was misread or you were charged for water you did not use — contact York Water's customer service in writing or by phone. Explain the problem clearly and include your account number and the billing period in question. York Water will investigate and respond within a set timeframe.

If York Water does not resolve your complaint, or if you disagree with the company's response, you can file a formal complaint with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission. The PUC is an independent state agency that regulates utilities. You can file a complaint online through the PUC website, by mail, or by phone. The PUC will contact York Water and ask for a response. There is no cost to file a complaint with the PUC.

Common complaints include billing disputes, service quality issues, and disagreements over shutoff procedures. The PUC has the authority to order York Water to correct billing errors, refund overcharges, or change its practices if they violate state or federal law.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often does York Water read my meter?

York Water reads meters bimonthly — every two months — which is why you receive a bill every two months instead of every month. Some customers have smart meters that report usage remotely, while others have manual meters that a York Water employee reads in person. You can contact the company to find out which type you have.

Can I get a discount on my water bill if I am low-income?

York Water does not operate its own low-income discount program. However, some local governments and nonprofits in York County offer bill payment information or energy/water information programs. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging or your county's human services office to learn what programs may be available in your area.

What should I do if I smell chlorine in my water?

Chlorine is added to drinking water to kill harmful bacteria and is safe at the levels used by water utilities. A chlorine smell is normal and does not mean your water is unsafe. If the smell is very strong or accompanied by other changes (like discoloration), contact York Water to report it.

How do I know if there is a water main break in my area?

York Water posts updates about service interruptions and main breaks on its website and social media pages. You can also call their customer service line to report a break or ask whether one has been reported in your neighborhood. During a major break, water pressure may drop or your water may be shut off temporarily while repairs are made.

What if I think York Water is overcharging me?

Request a meter test to verify that your meter is reading accurately. York Water can perform this test; there may be a fee if the meter is working correctly, but no fee if it is faulty. If you still believe your bill is wrong after the meter test, file a written complaint with York Water and, if needed, escalate it to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.