Sen. Kim, Rep. Fleming, Veolia issue joint statement on discolored water issues
Rep. Justin Fleming August 13, 2025 | 12:36 PM
HARRISBURG, Aug. 13 – Following a meeting hosted Monday by state Sen. Patty Kim and state Rep. Justin Fleming, Veolia has committed to taking several actions, including holding a series of public meetings for their customers in the Harrisburg region who have experienced discolored water in recent months.
“After weeks of directly advocating for our constituents to Veolia, the PUC and DEP, we are encouraged that, following our meeting with executives Monday, Veolia will be scheduling public forums to directly address customers,” said Kim. “Transparency is always the best policy, and these forums will be a much-needed opportunity to not only learn more about the causes of recent issues but also ask questions directly to Veolia management.”
Larry Finnicum, regional president of municipal water for Veolia North America Mid-Atlantic Operations, and Georgetta Parisi, chief operations and performance officer of Veolia North America Mid-Atlantic Operations, said during their meeting with Kim and Fleming that a June 22 disruption at the water treatment plant in Susquehanna Township followed by an unprecedented eight water main breaks in a six-week period and both permitted and unpermitted hydrant usage has led to ongoing water discoloration issues.
While the number of calls and emails to Veolia’s customer service department has decreased since peaking in early July, some customers are still reporting water discoloration and related issues.
“Clean water is a minimal expectation. While I am frustrated that this issue has dragged on for so long, I’m optimistic that our discussion with Veolia will result in a more proactive approach to our water discoloration,” said Fleming. “I have implored Veolia for weeks to increase communication with customers to help identify and eliminate the source of these issues, as well as alert residents to potential discoloration before it arrives at their tap.”
Since the start of reported issues, both offices have been in constant communication with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to ensure additional monitoring and test results both in the Veolia system and treatment plant continue to meet federal Clean Drinking Water standards for health and safety. While recognized as an aesthetic issue, Veolia is aware that the water discoloration has placed burdens on customers. Their customer service team and claims department are issuing credits for additional water usage during flushing, stained fabric and other costs incurred due to the discoloration. Customers who are experiencing issues with water heaters and related appliances or who have noticed issues with water pressure are also encouraged to contact Veolia’s customer service at 888-299-8972 or cspa@veolia.com.
“The safety and quality of the water that we provide to our customers is our highest priority,” said Finnicum. “Our system has experienced a highly unusual series of events, and we will continue to work relentlessly to resolve the discolored water issues that have affected our customers. In partnership with our municipal partners, we are planning multiple open houses in September to explain the issue and answer their questions.”
In addition to DEP, Kim and Fleming have worked alongside the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission to review residents’ concerns about water quality and service. Customers who have contacted Veolia but have not received a satisfactory resolution to their issue can file an informal complaint with the PUC, which will then conduct investigations and respond directly to customers. If the issue is still not resolved, customers should file a formal complaint with the PUC, which is a legal process that has no cost to residential customers.
Veolia has approximately 500 miles of water mains in the Harrisburg region. Residents of Susquehanna Township, Lower Paxton Township, Swatara Township and Marysville Borough have reported discoloration in the weeks following the June 22 plant disruption. Harrisburg City and portions of Penbrook Borough residents are serviced by Capital Region Water and have not been affected.
Customers experiencing discolored water should contact Veolia’s 24-hour customer service center at 888-299-8972 or cspa@veolia.com. Informal complaints can be filed through the PUC at www.puc.pa.gov/complaints/informal-complaints/.
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