Western Berks Water Authority Receives $41 Million, Say Gebhard, Weaknecht

October 15, 2025

HARRISBURG – State Rep. Eric Weaknecht (R-Berks) and state Sen. Chris Gebhard (R-Berks/Lancaster/Lebanon) today announced the Western Berks Water Authority is receiving a low-interest loan of over $39 million alongside a more than $1.5 million grant for improvements.

The improvements will include a new sulfuric acid chemical feed system, featuring chemical feed pumps, storage tanks, feed lines and appurtenances. The current filters will be replaced with four new dual-media rapid rate gravity filters. A new 400,000-gallon clearwell will be constructed with four new 1,800-gallon-per-minute, high-service pumps. The project will also add a new 54,000-gallon backwash receiving tank, new sludge mixers and pumps, and an additional 3,000-square-foot sludge drying area. The funding will also upgrade existing electrical, instrumentation and process control systems.

“This loan marks a significant investment in our community,” stated Weaknecht. “I am glad to share this funding announcement with the 5th Legislative District and look forward to the completion of this project, which will serve our community well.”

“Given the age of the current treatment plant and the increasing presence of harmful algal blooms in Blue Marsh Lake, funding this project is very important,” Gebhard said. “Ensuring local infrastructure is operational is a key function of government, and I’m pleased this funding is dedicated to that purpose.”

The loan and grant are distributed by the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST), which operates under the Department of Community and Economic Development. PENNVEST funding aids communities to increase the health and safety of citizens, protect the environment, promote economic development and improve water quality.

Representative Eric Weaknecht
5th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Matthew Davis
717.787.3994
mdavis@pahousegop.com
www.repweaknecht.com

Senator Chris Gebhard
48th Senate District
Pennsylvania Senate
Media Contact: Alex Gamble
agamble@pasen.gov
senatorgebhard.com