PREVIOUS Introduction

Act 57 Limits the Maximum GPD Authorities Can Assign to an EDU

For the first time, builders and authorities have a working definition of numeric values for an Equivalent Dwelling Unit (EDU). For years, authorities and municipalities have routinely established the number of gallons of capacity for a new single family dwelling (or EDU) with values that far exceeded the number of gallons of capacity that new connection actually required. Some fees were based on 350 gallons per day per EDU, which resulted in a higher tapping fee and the ability to “resell” the unused capacity. Now, Act 57 imposes a maximum on the number of gallons per day (gpd) that an authority can assign to an EDU. While there are some alternatives, the limit is essentially 65 gpd per capita for water and 90 gpd per capita for sewer. These values are multiplied by the average number of persons per household, as determined by the most recent census. In each authority's service area, the census figures will differ, but the statewide average is 2.48 persons per household, which results in an EDU value of 161.2 gpd for water and 223.2 gpd for sewer. Individual authority values may be higher or lower.

These parameters are maximum values unless an authority uses one of the alternative methods for calculation of an EDU summarized here. Act 57 still requires authorities to base their tapping fees on the number of units of design capacity that a new user requires and specifically allows authorities to establish a lower value for multi-family connections. If an authority establishes a higher EDU value using an alternative method, the act provides a procedure for appealing that value.

NEXT Clarification of Reimbursements

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