SOUTH HAVEN | Users of the South Haven Sewer Works probably haven't noticed a difference yet, but the company that has provided sanitary sewer utility services was sold last month to a national company.
Aqua Indiana, Inc., a subsidiary of Aqua America, Inc. of Bryn Mawr, Pa., purchased the utility and has already begun repairs to the troubled sewer system.
Aqua Indiana President Bill Etzler said Thursday that the some 4,000 users of the utility had not yet been officially notified of the sale.
"We are not making any significant change in the operations at this time. There will be some change in the future and we will be getting the word out," Etzler said.
Aqua America is a publicly traded water and wastewater utility holding company, providing services to some 3 million people in 13 states. The company purchased South Haven Sewer Works, valued at approximately $9.7 million, in early August.
"We think Northwest Indiana is going to be one of the hotbeds for growth for utility services. This particular facility is one in need of improvements. There are issues out there, and we know we will turn that around," he said.
Etzler said the company has already begun making improvements to the system. They plan to invest $3 million in the system over the next three years. Work has already begun in the southwest section of the utility's service area, including the evaluation of the existing sewer system, pipe replacement and relining and manhole repairs.
In 2003 South Haven Sewer Works was fined $250,000 and was given five years to implement several conditions outlined in the 40-page order issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for violations to the federal Clean Water Act.
Etzler said former owner David Saylor had made strides in meeting the EPA order, but that his company was going to "ramp it up" to meet the federal requirements.
Other than top-tiered management, employees are remaining. The office on County Road 700 North also remains open.
Etzler said the company has no plans to seek a rate increase at this time. Customers currently pay $64.95 per month.
"Because of the size of our company, there are some things that will save money. We have significant buying power," said Etzler.
He added that eventually billing will be done through the company's Fort Wayne office and the name of the utility will change. That will likely happen in the fourth quarter of this year.
