River commission OKs water pulls, budget in routine meeting
Published Date: 9/24/2026
Notice
Summary
On September 16, 2026, the Susquehanna River Basin Commission approved several water project applications, adopted the FY2028 budget, and set new policies to protect water resources. These changes affect local water companies and communities in Pennsylvania, with some projects allowing new water withdrawals. The budget and policies aim to keep water use sustainable while supporting regional growth.
Analyzed Economic Effects
15 provisions identified: 14 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Permit: Expand Operating LLC (Susquehanna)
On September 16, 2026 the Commission approved Expand Operating LLC in Ulster Township, Bradford County, PA for a surface water withdrawal of up to 4.000 mgd (peak day) from the Susquehanna River. The approval authorizes that specific peak-day withdrawal amount.
Permit: Greek Peak Holdings (Resort)
On September 16, 2026 the Commission approved Greek Peak Holdings, LLC (Greek Peak Mountain Resort, Town of Virgil, Cortland County, NY) for surface water withdrawal of up to 7.200 mgd (peak day) from Gridley Creek and for consumptive use of up to 1.584 mgd (peak day). Both peak-day amounts are authorized.
Permit: Aqua Pennsylvania (Athens)
On September 16, 2026 the Commission approved Aqua Pennsylvania, Inc. (Susquehanna Division, Athens Borough, Bradford County, PA) for a groundwater withdrawal of up to 2.880 mgd (30-day average) from Well 20. The approval authorizes that specific 30-day average withdrawal volume for the facility.
Permit: EQT ARO LLC (Surface Withdrawal)
On September 16, 2026 the Commission approved EQT ARO LLC in Hillsgrove Township, Sullivan County, PA for a surface water withdrawal of up to 1.700 mgd (peak day). The approval authorizes that peak-day withdrawal from the specified source.
Permit: Mount Joy Borough Authority
On September 16, 2026 the Commission approved Mount Joy Borough Authority (East Donegal Township, Lancaster County, PA) for groundwater withdrawals (30-day averages) of up to 1.300 mgd from Well 1 and 1.270 mgd from Well 2. Both 30-day average well volumes are authorized.
Permit: Williamsport Municipal Water Authority
On September 16, 2026 the Commission approved Williamsport Municipal Water Authority (Williamsport City, Lycoming County, PA) for groundwater withdrawals (30-day averages) of up to 1.300 mgd from Well 10 and 0.374 mgd from Well 11. Both 30-day average amounts are authorized.
Application Tabled: Middlesex Township
On September 16, 2026 the Commission tabled (deferred action on) Middlesex Township Municipal Authority’s application for groundwater withdrawal of up to 0.914 mgd (30-day average) from Well 2 in Middlesex Township, Cumberland County, PA. The application was not approved at that meeting and was held for later action.
Permit: 3 Springs Water Company
On September 16, 2026 the Commission approved 3 Springs Water Company in Laurel Run Borough, Luzerne County, PA for consumptive use of up to 0.051 million gallons per day (mgd) peak day. This approval allows the company to use that amount of water under the Commission’s regulatory program.
Permit: Cargill Meat Solutions Wells
On September 16, 2026 the Commission approved Cargill Meat Solutions Corporation in Wyalusing Borough, Bradford County, PA for groundwater withdrawals (30-day averages) of up to 0.180 mgd from Well 6, 0.080 mgd from Well 7, and 0.150 mgd from Well 8. Each well’s approved 30-day average volume is listed and authorized.
Permit: Columbia Water Company
On September 16, 2026 the Commission approved Columbia Water Company’s East Donegal Division in East Donegal Township, Lancaster County, PA for a groundwater withdrawal of up to 0.324 mgd (30-day average) from Well 1. The approval authorizes that specified 30-day average amount for the facility.
Permit: Heritage Hills Golf Resort
On September 16, 2026 the Commission approved Heritage Hills Associates (Heritage Hills Golf Resort & Conference Center, Springettsbury and York Townships, York County, PA) for a surface water withdrawal of up to 0.249 mgd (30-day average) from an unnamed tributary to Mill Creek and consumptive use of up to 0.249 mgd (30-day average). Both 30-day average amounts are authorized.
Permit: Mars Wrigley Consumptive Use
On September 16, 2026 the Commission approved Mars Wrigley Confectionery US, LLC in Elizabethtown Borough, Lancaster County, PA for consumptive use of up to 0.150 mgd (30-day average). The approval authorizes that 30-day average consumptive volume for the facility.
Permit: Montgomery Water Authority
On September 16, 2026 the Commission approved Montgomery Water Authority in Clinton Township, Lycoming County, PA for a groundwater withdrawal of up to 0.246 mgd (30-day average) from Well 5. The approval authorizes that 30-day average withdrawal for the authority.
Permit: New Enterprise Stone & Lime
On September 16, 2026 the Commission approved New Enterprise Stone & Lime Co., Inc. (Alfred Sand and Gravel Quarry, Town of Alfred, Allegany County, NY) for groundwater withdrawal of up to 0.288 mgd (30-day average) from Well 1 and consumptive use of up to 0.279 mgd (peak day). Both volumes are authorized.
Permit: Veolia Water Pennsylvania
On September 16, 2026 the Commission approved Veolia Water Pennsylvania, Inc. (Newberry Operation, Newberry Township, York County, PA) for groundwater withdrawals (30-day averages) of up to 0.076 mgd from Reeser Well 1, 0.076 mgd from Reeser Well 2, 0.066 mgd from Susquehanna Village Well 1, and 0.066 mgd from Susquehanna Village Well 2. Each 30-day average well volume is authorized.
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Related Federal Register Documents
2026-14152, Minor Modification Approval
The Susquehanna River Basin Commission gave the green light to small changes for projects during June 2026. For example, Chobani, LLC got approval to add a new water source for their Well 4 in New York. These tweaks help projects run smoother without big delays or extra costs.
2026-14151, Projects Approved for Consumptive Uses of Water
The Susquehanna River Basin Commission gave the green light to several water use projects in June 2026, including new approvals and renewals for companies and schools in Pennsylvania. These projects can use millions of gallons of water daily, helping businesses and communities grow while keeping water use in check. If you’re involved in these areas, now’s the time to note these approvals and plan accordingly!
2026-14150, Grandfathering Registration Notice
If you run a water-related project in the Susquehanna River Basin, this notice is for you! The Commission has officially listed projects that got 'grandfathered' registrations during June 2026, meaning they’re recognized under old rules before new ones kick in. This keeps things fair and clear—no surprise fees or changes for these projects right now.
2026-11968, Projects Approved for Consumptive Uses of Water
The Susquehanna River Basin Commission approved several projects in May 2026 that use water for things like manufacturing and energy drilling. These approvals let companies withdraw millions of gallons of water daily, mostly in Pennsylvania townships. If you’re involved in these industries, keep an eye on these renewals and new permits—they shape water use and could impact local water supplies and operations.
2026-11967, Actions Taken at the June 4, 2026 Meeting
On June 4, 2026, the Susquehanna River Basin Commission gave the green light to several water projects in Pennsylvania, including new and renewed water withdrawals. They also updated their budget and water program, extended an emergency certificate, and secured important grants. These moves affect local communities and businesses by managing water use carefully, with some projects allowing up to 5 million gallons per day, starting immediately.
2026-09314, Grandfathering Registration Notice
If you run a water project in the Susquehanna River Basin, this notice is for you! The Commission is reissuing 'grandfathered' registrations for certain projects, like Danville’s water system, during April 2026. This means some projects keep their old permissions without new fees or changes, but you gotta act within the set dates to stay in the clear.
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