Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority (BCWSA)

The Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority (BCWSA) was established in 1964 by the Bucks County Commissioners to assist municipalities with their water and sewer improvement needs. BCWSA is one of the largest water and wastewater treatment agencies in the state of Pennsylvania. The agency serves approximately 70,000 retail and 385,000 wholesale water and sewer customers covering 24 municipalities in Bucks and Montgomery counties. BCWSA has an annual operating budget of $78 million and a capital project budget of $42 million. BCWSA has 102 employees in operations, administration and customer support handling.

As part of the Better Plants Challenge, BCWSA have pledged to improve the energy intensity at 4 pumping stations and 4 treatment plants by 25% over a 10 year period. This voluntary pledge aligns with BCWSA’s existing commitment to sustainability which has been highlighted by the completion of a number of large projects in recent years including the installation of a 100,000 kW solar array, motor system upgrades, and HVAC focused optimizations. Within the last 4 years, BCWSA also constructed 17 miles of water supply line that reduces the pumping energy required to deliver water to each customer.

Implementation Model

BCWSA Leverages Energy Tracking Software to Drive Savings

Leadership Commitments

Better Plants Challenge

Goal

20% Reduction in Energy Intensity 20% reduction in Portfolio Energy Intensity from a 2018 baseline by 2028.

Commitment

5 Facilities

Progress

3.1% Cumulative (vs. 2018 Baseline)

Better Plants Challenge

Goal

25% Reduction in Energy Intensity 25% reduction in Portfolio Energy Intensity from a 2012 baseline by 2024. BCWSA achieved this goal in 2018.

Commitment

8 Facilities

Progress

37% Cumulative (vs. 2012 Baseline)

Energy Goal Achieved

Performance Data

Solutions

Leadership Commitments

Better Plants Challenge

Goal

Commitment

Progress

Better Plants Challenge

Goal

Commitment

Progress

DOE Program Participation