Reading Area Water Authority

Celebrating 20 years of service, Reading Area Water Authority is a non-profit organization that operates and maintains the water system for the City of Reading, North Heidelberg, Cumru and Kenhorst townships, and portions of Bern and Bethel townships. The Water Authority employs approximately 80 Reading residents who take pride in making water safe for the homes and businesses - both on and off business hours. The water supply for the City of Reading and North Heidelberg is obtained mainly from Lake Ontelaunee, which was constructed in 1926. Located about eight miles north of the City of Reading, Lake Ontelaunee has a water surface area of 1,082 acres and a capacity of 3.88 billion gallons. Today, it is continually recognized for outstanding protection of source water and purity with prestigious national awards. Its roots dating back to 1821 when it was the first public supply of water delivered in Reading by the Reading Water Company.