US Water Supplies And Upcoming Riots: Water Utilities Gobbling Up Small Water Companies MakesWater Supply Vulnerable (video and picture)

by Monica Davis

The West Virginia water contamination catastrophe showed the nation just how vulnerable our water facilities are. As aging water company equipment becomes part of larger water utilities through consolidation, the problem bcames larger than we can imagine.

Consolidation, acquisition and industry dominance: the formula for business expansion continues to shrink the water utility industry. A recent acquisition in Indiana by Indiana American Water shows the future of the industry: consolidation and acquisition of more water utilities by major national players.

Has that acquisition, merger and that shrinkage in the number of suppliers become a national security problem?

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GREENWOOD, IND. (March 11, 2014) – Indiana American Water President Alan DeBoy today announced the company’s acquisition of Merom Water, a municipal water utility located in western Indiana. The purchase of the system adds approximately 125 customers to the company’s customer base and serves a population of approximately 250 residents.

“The acquisition of this system will provide Merom customers with lower rates and access to operations and capital management water professionals and a convenient customer service center that is available 24/7,” said DeBoy. “Indiana American Water already provides water to several communities in this part of the state, so this is a good fit for us and a continuation of our efforts to expand our presence across Indiana.

“In a time when communities are looking for new and innovative ways to deal with challenges they’re facing and hold the bottom-line on expenses, this acquisition is a great solution for the utility and its customers,” DeBoy continued. “Indiana American Water brings a broad range of experience, resources and knowledge to the community through this transaction that ultimately will have a positive impact on the area.”

The acquisition of the Merom system for approximately $ 390,000 was approved by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission in January 2014 and finalized by Indiana American Water and Merom Water on March 10, 2014.  The Merom system will be incorporated into the company’s Terre Haute/Sullivan operating district, which currently serves approximately 85,000 residents. PRESS RELEASE