United Water Bethel, Inc. Files Petition for Rate Increase

WILMINGTON, DE – November 26, 2002--United Water Bethel is filing a request with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) requesting approval to increase rates for water service. If the Company's request is approved, rates would increase by 3.67% for residential and commercial customers. United Water Bethel purchases bulk water from Chester Water Authority for redistribution to 4,500 people in Bethel and Concord townships located in Delaware County. The Chester Water Authority Board of Directors adopted rate increases for all customers.

"United Water has seen a dramatic increase in costs for purchased water," said Anthony Langley, general manager for United Water. "The proposed increase in rates for water service is directly related to the rising cost of purchased water."

According to Langley, the total bill for a typical residential customer using 19,000 gallons per quarter would increase from $58.77 to $60.93. Consumers are entitled to file a formal complaint against the proposed increase and to participate in hearings. Formal complaint forms are available from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, Post Office Box 3265, Harrisburg, PA 17105. All complaints should be filed with the PUC before February 1, 2003, the proposed effective date of the increase.

United Water Bethel is a subsidiary of United Water Resources, one of the nation's largest water services companies.

United Water Resources