An Associated Press report from Harrisburg states that the state senate passed a bill by a 27-23 vote that could allow major water companies such as Aqua America and American Water to take over local municipal water companies…which could lead to much higher rates for customers. One Democrat who voted against the bill, John Kean of Delaware county says this bill goes directly against the interests of the rate payers. Senators received a letter from the pa municipal authorities association rallying against the bill warning of the significant increases to customers bills if senate bill 597 passes. New regulations proposed in the bill would drive up costs according to senators who oppose the bill.