BOROUGH OF HANOVER IMPLEMENTS NEW WATER SUPPLY POLICY FOR SUSTAINABLE GROWTH
Hanover, PA – The Borough of Hanover Department of Planning & Engineering (DPE) and Department of Water Resources are rolling out an innovative new policy to ensure a sustainable water supply for all residents while accommodating future development. This initiative comes in response to concerns about the existing water supply's capacity, especially during drought conditions, a concern highlighted by a 2024 Safe Yield Study conducted by the Borough’s water system consultant, Gannett Fleming TranSystem (GFT).
The new Water Supply Allocation and Sustainability Policy aims to safeguard current water resources and prevent strain on existing customers. Under this policy, new development projects, particularly those from non-Bonafide customers, will contribute to expanding the Borough's overall water supply. (A Bonafide service applicant is defined as, “A person or entity applying for water service to an existing or proposed structure within the Water Works’ certificated service territory for which a valid occupancy or building permit has been issued if the structure is either a primary residence of the applicant or a place of business. A non-Bonafide applicant is one that: (a) is requesting water service to a building lot, subdivision, or a secondary residence; (b) is requesting service for part of a plan for the development of a residential dwelling or subdivision; or (c) is requesting special utility service.”)
Developers of new projects will be required to calculate the cost they would incur if they were to construct and operate their own on-site water supply. This estimated "avoided cost" will then be deposited into a dedicated capital project fund with the Hanover Municipal Water Works (HMWW). These funds are specifically earmarked for developing new, additional water sources for the entire system, with the goal of adding at least one million gallons per day (1.0 MGD) of new water supply.
Once a developer makes this contribution, their project can proceed with approvals. Concurrently, HMWW will utilize these funds to locate, permit, and construct new water supplies, including necessary environmental studies. This approach ensures that growth contributes directly to enhancing the Borough's water infrastructure.
This policy, which has been vetted through numerous internal and external entities, has now been adopted by the Borough Council. A formal resolution to outline the requirements and program will be forthcoming in September. DPE Director Mains emphasizes that, “this strategy not only allows for responsible growth but also offers significant time savings for developers by centralizing water source development, rather than requiring individual well development and long-term operation / maintenance obligations for their projects.” The Borough anticipates that this proactive measure will lead to a more robust and sustainable water future for all Hanover residents.
The Borough of Hanover, York County, Pennsylvania, was incorporated in 1815. The Borough serves the public through stewardship, government, development, and improvements of public assets including water/sewer/stormwater & refuse utilities, parks & recreation facilities, the Hanover Market House, the Guthrie Memorial Library, as well as Code Enforcement, Police & Fire Departments. It is governed by the Borough Council, overseen by the Borough Manager, and staffed by administrative, public service, public works, sewer, water, refuse and engineering professionals. Known as the Snack Food Capital of the World, Hanover is home, not only to numerous food industries, but also to manufacturing, technology, commercial sales, and services. Hanover Borough offices, located at 33 Frederick Street, can be reached at 717-637-3877 or by email at Info@HanoverBoroughPA.gov. More information is available at www.HanoverBoroughPA.gov.
