PUC Issues Management and Operations Audit for Columbia Water Company

PUC Issues Management and Operations Audit for Columbia Water Company

Published on 9/25/2025

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

Audit Highlights Opportunities to Enhance Metering, Infrastructure Replacement, and Cybersecurity

HARRISBURG - The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today released the findings of a comprehensive Management and Operations Audit of Columbia Water Company (CWC), outlining nine actionable recommendations for operational improvements. CWC is a privately held water utility providing service to more than 12,200 customers in Lancaster and York counties, including West Hempfield, Rapho, East Donegal, and Manor townships; the boroughs of Columbia, Mountville, and Marietta; and Hellam Township.

The Commission voted 5-0 today to approve the audit report and its recommendations, as well as to release CWC's submitted implementation plan detailing its approach to addressing the audit findings. The Company fully accepted all nine recommendations.

Audit Report and Key Recommendations

The audit identifies opportunities for CWC to improve operational efficiency, system security, and customer service. Key recommendations include:

• Continue implementing automated metering technology to replace manual meter reading, reducing billing delays, improving leak detection, and allowing staff to focus on other operational needs.
  
  
• Ensure replacement of older water mains is adequate, particularly pipe installed before 1950, to reduce the risk of failures, emergency repairs, and water quality issues.
  
  
• Enhancing cybersecurity practices by utilizing additional federal tools and resources and developing a cybersecurity maturity model to strengthen protection of company systems and infrastructure.
  
  
• Improving emergency preparedness by refining incident response planning and incorporating additional exercises into the company's annual testing routine.

CWC's implementation plan indicates that most recommendations will be substantially completed by the third quarter of 2026.

Next Steps

CWC will submit annual progress reports on its Implementation Plan for the next three years, due by April 1 of each year. PUC audit staff will monitor the company's progress and will revisit these issues during the next Management Efficiency Investigation, scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2028.

About the PUC

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

Visit the PUC's website at puc.pa.gov for recent news releases and video of select proceedings. You can also follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube. Search for the "Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission" or "PA PUC" on your favorite social media channel for updates on utility issues and other helpful consumer information.

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Docket No.: D-2025-3053425

Contact:

• Nils Hagen-Frederiksen Press Secretary 717-418-2701 [email protected]
• David Hixson Deputy Press Secretary 717-772-2766 [email protected]