Feb 6, 2026 By Jon Andreassi 2 min read

Residents in Bethel Park may have noticed their most recent sewage bill was higher than usual after the second of two rate increases went into effect at the start of the year.

The borough’s council voted to approve an ordinance in June that raised rates on Aug.1 and Jan. 1.

In August, the rate went from $9 per 1,000 gallons to $11 per 1,000 gallons. The service charge, a flat fee, increased from $15 to $17. At the start of the year, the rate per 1,000 gallons increased again to $13, and the service charge to $19.

In December council voted to have Keystone Collections Group handle billing and collections for sewage. Previously it was handled by Jordan Tax Service.

Several residents took to social media to express confusion over their bills, and wondered if it had to do with this change in collection agency. Councilmember Jim Jenkins replied to many comments explaining the council’s rate increase.

“Nobody pays attention. If they came to our meetings, they would know what is going on,” Jenkins said.

Jenkins explained that while Bethel Park’s treatment plant on Piney Fork Road handles the waste water for many residents, some are connected to the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority (ALCOSAN).

“We have our own municipal authority and we bill for everyone in Bethel Park, even if their sewage runs through ALCOSAN,” Jenkins said.

According to Jenkins, the increases in sewage rates were due to maintenance costs and upgrades for the treatment facility.

Jenkins said with the increase, Bethel Park still charges less than several surrounding communities. Castle Shannon charges $19.22 per 1,000 gallons and a $7.80 service charge.

“It’s really not that drastic. We’re much lower than many of the other communities around us,” Jenkins said.

Bethel Park council holds its regular meetings the second Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m., and committee meetings on the fourth Monday at 7 p.m.