YORK WATER CO
10-K, 1998-03-30
WATER SUPPLY
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                 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                                  
                       Washington, D.C. 20549
                                  
                             FORM 10-K
                                  
           ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
                                  
              OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934  
                                  
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997 Commission file No.
0-690
                       THE YORK WATER COMPANY                     
       (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
                                  
            PENNSYLVANIA                          23-1242500      
   (State or other jurisdiction of             (I.R.S. Employer   
   incorporation or organization)             Identification No.) 

   130 EAST MARKET STREET, YORK, PENNSYLVANIA       17405         
    (Address of principal executive offices)       (Zip Code)     
 

Registrant's telephone number, including area code (717) 845-3601 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

                                         Name of Each Exchange on
        Title of Each Class                  Which Registered    

              None                                               

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: 

                     COMMON STOCK, NO PAR VALUE                   
                          (Title of Class)
                                  
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all
reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months
(or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to
file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days.

                 YES     X             NO         
                                  
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant
to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not
be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive
proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part
III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  X

The aggregate market value of the Common Stock, no par value,
held by nonaffiliates of the registrant (based on the bid price
of such stock) on February 6, 1998 was $57,595,097.

As of February 6, 1998 there were 2,934,782 shares of Common
Stock, no par value, outstanding.

                DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
                                  
Portions of the 1997 Annual Report to Shareholders are
incorporated by reference into Part II. 

Portions of the Proxy Statement for the Company's 1998 Annual
Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference into Part
III.

                               PART I
                                  
Item 1.  Business.

(a)  General development of business.

The Company is a corporation duly organized under the laws of the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 1816.

(b)  Financial information about industry segments. 

The Company operates in only one segment, the impounding,
purification and distribution of water.

(c)  Narrative description of business.

The business of the Company is to impound, purify and distribute
water.  The Company operates entirely within its franchised
territory located in York County, Pennsylvania.  The Company is
regulated by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PPUC). 
Water service is supplied through the Company's own distribution
system to the City of York, the Boroughs of North York, East
Prospect, West York, Manchester, Mount Wolf, Jacobus, Loganville,
Yorkana, New Salem, Hallam, Seven Valleys, Jefferson, Glen Rock,
and portions of the Townships of Manchester, East Manchester,
West Manchester, Springettsbury, Spring Garden, Springfield,
York, North Codorus, Hellam, Windsor, Lower Windsor, Codorus, 
and Jackson.  The Company obtains its water supply from the south
branch and east branch of the Codorus Creek which drains an area
of approximately 117 square miles.  The Company's present average
daily consumption is 19,405,000 gallons, and its present safe
daily yield is 29,900,000 gallons.

The Company's service territory has an estimated population of
140,700.  Industry of the area served is diversified,
manufacturing such items as fixtures and furniture, electrical
machinery, food products, paper, ordnance, textile products, air
conditioning, barbells, etc.  In the area served by the Company
under the supervision of the PPUC there are no competitors. 

The Company's business does not require large amounts of working
capital and is not dependent upon any single customer or a very
few customers.  Operating revenue is derived from the following
sources and in the following percentages:  residential, 59%;
commercial and industrial, 31%; other, 10%.  The Company
presently has 88 employees.

During the last five years ended in 1997, the Company has
maintained an increasing growth in number of customers and
distribution facilities as shown by the following chart:

            1997        1996        1995        1994       1993
Average daily
consumption
(gallons
per day)   19,405,000 18,593,000 19,657,000 19,660,000 19,380,000
Miles of mains                                    
at year end       655        641        622        597        580
Distribution 
mains 
installed
(ft.)          77,274     78,619     84,515     91,087     58,414
Number of
customers      46,458     45,800     44,879     43,830     42,844
Population
served        140,700    143,000    140,000    136,000    134,000

During 1997, the per capita volume of water sold did not
significantly change compared to 1996.  The Company does not
anticipate any change in the level of water usage which would
have a material impact on future results of operations.

Item 2. Properties.

The accounting and executive offices of the Company are located
in two two-story brick and masonry buildings, containing
approximately 21,861 square feet of floor space, at 124 and 130
East Market Street, York, Pennsylvania.

The Company has two impounding dams located in York and
Springfield Townships adjoining the Borough of Jacobus to the
south.  The lower dam is constructed of compacted earth with a
concrete core wall and is 660 feet long and 50 feet high and
creates a reservoir covering approximately 220 acres containing
about 1,150,000,000 gallons of water.  About 800 acres
surrounding the reservoir are planted with more than 1,200,000
evergreen trees to protect the area both from pollution and also
from soil erosion which might otherwise fill the reservoir with
silt.  The upper dam is constructed of compacted earth and is
1,000 feet long and 50 feet high and creates a reservoir covering
approximately 290 acres containing about 1,600,000,000 gallons of
water.  About 600 acres surrounding the reservoir are planted
with grass to protect the area both from pollution and also from
soil erosion which might otherwise fill the reservoir with silt.

The Company's main pumping station is located in Spring Garden
Township on the south branch of the Codorus Creek about 1,500
feet upstream from its confluence with the west branch of the
Codorus Creek and about four miles downstream from the Company's
lower impounding dam.  The pumping station presently houses
pumping equipment consisting of three electrically driven
centrifugal pumps and two diesel-engine driven centrifugal pumps
with a combined pumping capacity of 75,000,000 gallons per day. 
From here, raw water is pumped approximately two miles to the
filtration plant through pipes located on a right-of-way owned by
the Company.

The Company's filtration plant is located in Spring Garden
Township about one-half mile south of the City of York.  Water at
this plant is filtered through 12 dual media filters having a
stated capacity of 31,000,000 gallons per day and being capable
of filtering 46,500,000 gallons per day for short periods if
necessary.  Since the average daily consumption in 1997 was
19,405,000 gallons, it can readily be seen that the present
pumping and filtering facilities are adequate to meet the present
demands.

Clear water reservoirs of the Company which are located in Spring
Garden Township adjacent to the filtration plant are capable of
storing up to 32,000,000 gallons of water, and there are
standpipes located throughout the Company's service area capable
of storing another 16,540,000 gallons of clear water.

The Company's distribution center and material and supplies
warehouse are located at 1801 Mt. Rose Avenue, Springettsbury
Township.  There are two  one-story concrete block buildings
having 26,680 square feet of area.

The distribution system of the Company has approximately 655
miles of main water lines.

All of the Company's properties listed above are held in fee by
the Company.  There are no encumbrances.

In addition, the Company has entered into a "Joint Use and Park
Management Agreement" dated December 29, 1976, and executed by
The York Water Company and the County of York, Pennsylvania,
whereby the Company has licensed to the County of York for fifty
(50) years for county park purposes for the benefit of the
general public in York County the Company's present reservoir
lands and waters referred to in the Agreement as approximately
1,175 acres including two lakes, all in Springfield and York
Townships, York County, Pennsylvania.

York County has in return agreed thereby not to erect a dam
upstream on the east branch of the Codorus Creek and to waive
flood damages to the County's Spring Valley Tract of park lands
if, as planned, the Company builds a third dam around the year
2020.  The Company and its customers are thereby assured of a
future reservoir site at reasonable expense.

Information Systems - Year 2000 Compliance

The Company has developed preliminary plans to address possible 
exposure related to the impact on its computer system of the year
2000.  Key financial and operational systems are being assessed
and detailed plans developed to address possible system modifi-
cations required by December 31, 1999.  The financial impact of
making the required changes is not expected to be material to the
Company's results of operations or financial condition.


Item 3. Legal Proceedings.

There are no material legal proceedings. 


Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

No matter was submitted to a vote of the security holders during
the fourth quarter of the fiscal year covered by this report. 

                               PART II

Item 5. Market for the Registrant's Common Stock and Related
        Security Holder Matters. 

The information set forth under the caption "Security Market and
Dividends" of the 1997 Annual Report to Shareholders is
incorporated herein by reference. 


Item 6. Selected Financial Data.

The information set forth under the caption "Highlights of Our
182nd Year" of the 1997 Annual Report to Shareholders is
incorporated herein by reference. 


Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
        Condition and Results of Operations. 

The information set forth under the caption "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations" of the 1997 Annual Report to Shareholders is
incorporated herein by reference. 

"Safe Harbor" Statements under the U. S. Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995:  Some statements in the 1997
Annual Report are forwardlooking and actual results may differ
materially from those stated.  In addition to the factors
discussed, among the other factors that may affect actual results
are water demand and supply, the effect of economic conditions,
interest-rate movements, and technological difficulties and
changes in governmental regulations, including those of the
Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission.  Investors are also
directed to consider other risks and uncertainties discussed in
documents filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market
         Risk.

Not applicable.

Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. 

The following financial statements set forth in the 1997 Annual
Report to Shareholders are incorporated herein by reference: 

Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1997 and 1996       Page  9
Statements of Income for Years Ended December 31, 
 1997, 1996 and 1995                                  Page 10
Statements of Shareholders' Investment for Years
 Ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995               Page 10
Statements of Cash Flows for Years Ended 
 December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995                     Page 11
Notes to Financial Statements                         Page 12
Independent Auditors' Report                          Page 16

Except for the above financial data and the information specified
under Items 5, 6 and 7 of this report, the 1997 Annual Report to
Shareholders is not deemed to be filed as part of this report. 
Selected quarterly financial data are not presented because the
Company does not meet the tests set forth in Item 302 (a)(5) of
Regulation S-K. 


Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on
        Accounting and Financial Disclosure. 

There were no changes in or disagreements with accountants on
accounting and financial disclosure. 


                              PART III
                                  
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant. 

The information set forth under the caption "Election of
Directors" of the Proxy Statement issued pursuant to Regulation
14A for the Company's 1998 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be
held May 4, 1998 is incorporated herein by reference. 


Item 11. Executive Compensation.  

The information set forth under the caption "Compensation of
Directors and Executive Officers" of the Proxy Statement issued
pursuant to Regulation 14A for the Company's 1998 Annual Meeting
of Shareholders to be held May 4, 1998 is incorporated herein by
reference. 


Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and
         Management.

The information set forth under the caption "Voting Securities
and Principal Holders Thereof" of the Proxy Statement issued
pursuant to Regulation 14A for the Company's 1998 Annual Meeting
of Shareholders to be held May 4, 1998 is incorporated herein by
reference. 


Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions. 

The information set forth under the caption "Compensation
Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation" of the Proxy
Statement issued pursuant to Regulation 14A for the Company's
1998 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held May 4, 1998 is
incorporated herein by reference. 

PART IV

Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on
         Form 8-K. 

(a)  Certain documents filed as a part of the Form 10-K. 

The financial statements set forth under Item 8 of this Form
10-K.

Schedule            Schedule                    Page
 Number             Description                 Number

   II     Valuation and Qualifying Accounts       7

The report of the Company's independent auditors with respect to
the financial statement schedule appears on page 6.

All other financial statements and schedules not listed have been
omitted since the required information is included in the
financial statements or the notes thereto, or is not applicable
or required. 

The exhibits are set forth in the Index to Exhibits shown on
pages 9, 10 and 11.

(b)  Reports on Form 8-K.

No reports on Form 8-K have been filed during the last quarter of
the period covered by this report.


INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of The York Water
Company:

Under date of February 17, 1998, we reported on the balance
sheets of The York Water Company as of December 31, 1997 and
1996, and the related statements of income, shareholders'
investment, and cash flows for each of the years in the
three-year period ended December 31, 1997, as contained in the
1997 annual report to shareholders. These financial statements
and our report thereon are incorporated by reference in the
annual report on Form 10-K for the year 1997.  In connection with
our audits of the aforementioned financial statements, we also
audited the related financial statement schedule as listed in
Item 14(a).  This financial statement schedule is the
responsibility of the Company's management.  Our responsibility
is to express an opinion on this financial statement schedule
based on our audits.

In our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when
considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as
a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the
information set forth therein.

                                            KPMG Peat Marwick LLP

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
February 17, 1998


<PAGE>
                                                    THE YORK WATER COMPANY
                                 SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
                                   FOR THE THREE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997
                                                                   
<TABLE>                                                  Additions Charged to
<CAPTION>
                          Balance at                                     Balance
                          Beginning   Costs and  Other                   at End 
Description                of Year    Expenses   Accounts    Deductions  of Year
<S>                          <C>         <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997:

Reserve for
  uncollectible accounts   $90,000    $97,923     $5,043     $82,966    $110,000

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996:

Reserve for
  uncollectible accounts   $90,000    $73,201     $  -       $73,201    $ 90,000


FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995:

Reserve for
  uncollectible accounts   $90,000    $67,319     $  -       $67,319    $ 90,000
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
                            SIGNATURES 
                                  
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities  Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused
this report to be signed  on its behalf by the undersigned,
thereunto duly authorized. 

                               THE YORK WATER COMPANY
                               (Registrant)


Dated:  March 23, 1998         By:/s/ William T. Morris                         
                                  William T. Morris           
                                  President and
                                  Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, this  report has been signed below by the following persons
on behalf of the  registrant and in the capacities and on the
dates
indicated.

By: /s/ William T. Morris      By: /s/ Jeffrey S. Osman                         
    William T. Morris             Jeffrey S. Osman
    (Principal Executive and      (Principal Accounting Officer)
Financial Officer and Director)

Dated: March 23, 1998          Dated: March 23, 1998                       


    Directors:                    Date


By: /s/ Irvin S. Naylor               March 23, 1998                        
    Irvin S. Naylor
    (Chairman)

By: /s/                                                     
    Horace Keesey III


By: /s/                                                              
    Chloe Eichelberger


By: /s/ Paul W. Ware                  March 23, 1998                           
    Paul W. Ware


By: /s/ John L. Finlayson             March 23, 1998                            
    John L. Finlayson


By: /s/                                                    
    Frank Motter


By: /s/ George Hay Kain, III          March 23, 1998                            
    George Hay Kain, III


By: /s/ Michael W. Gang               March 23, 1998                            
    Michael W. Gang

<PAGE>
                                          Page Number of
Exh.                                      Incorporation By
No.         Exhibit Description           Reference

 3   Articles of Incorporation        Incorporated herein
                                      by reference.  Filed
                                      previously with the
                                      Securities and
                                      Exchange Commission
                                      as Amendment No. 1
                                      to Form S-3 dated
                                      June 12, 1997.

3.1  By-Laws                          Incorporated herein
                                      by reference.  Filed
                                      previously with the
                                      Securities and
                                      Exchange Commission
                                      as Amendment No. 1
                                      to Form S-3 dated
                                      June 12, 1997.

4.1  Optional Dividend Reinvestment   Incorporated herein
     Plan                             by reference.  Filed
                                      previously with the
                                      Securities and
                                      Exchange Commission
                                      as Amendment No. 1
                                      to Form S-3 dated
                                      June 12, 1997.

4.4  1986 Public Offering of Common   Incorporated herein
     Stock                            by reference.  Filed
                                      previously with the
                                      Securities and
                                      Exchange Commission
                                      as the Company's
                                      Form S-2 dated
                                      October 28, 1986.

4.5  Employees' Stock Purchase Plan   Incorporated herein
                                      by reference.  Filed
                                      previously with the
                                      Securities and
                                      Exchange Commission
                                      as Amendment No. 1
                                      to Form S-8 dated
                                      June 12, 1997.

4.6  Note Agreement Relative to the   Incorporated herein by
     $6,000,000 10.17% Senior         reference.  Filed
     Notes, Series A and $5,000,000   previously with the
     9.60% Senior Notes, Series B     Securities and Exchange
     dated January 2, 1989            Commission as an ex-
                                      hibit to the Company's
                                      1989 Form 10-K.

4.8  Note Agreement Relative to the   Incorporated herein by
     $6,500,000 10.05% Senior         reference.  Filed
     Notes, Series C dated August     previously with the
     15, 1990                         Securities and Exchange
                                      Commission as an exhibit
                                      to the Company's 1990
                                      Form 10-K.

4.10 1992 Public Offering of Common   Incorporated herein by 
     Stock                            reference.  Filed
                                      previously with the
                                      Securities and Exchange
                                      Commission as the
                                      Company's Form S-3 dated
                                      April 15, 1992.

4.11 Note Agreement Relative to the   Incorporated herein by
     $7,500,000 8.43% Senior Notes,   reference.  Filed
     Series D dated December 15,      previously with the
     1992                             Securities and Exchange
                                      Commission as an exhibit
                                      to the Company's 1992 Form 
                                      10-K.

4.12 Fourth Supplemental              Incorporated herein by
     Acquisition, Financing and       reference.  Filed
     Sale Agreement Relative to the   previously with the
     $2,700,000 4.75% Water           Securities and Exchange
     Facilities Revenue Refunding     Commission as an exhibit
     Bonds dated February 1, 1994     to the Company's
                                      Quarterly Report
                                      Form 10-Q for the
                                      quarter ended June
                                      30, 1994.

4.13 Fifth Supplemental Acquisition,  Incorporated herein by
     Financing and Sale Agreement     reference.  Filed
     Relative to the $4,300,000 5%    previously with the
     Water Facilities Revenue         Securities and Exchange 
     Refunding Bonds dated October    Commission as an exhibit 
     1, 1995                          to the Company's 
                                      Quarterly Report Form 
                                      10-Q for the quarter 
                                      ended September 30, 
                                      1995.

4.14 Public Offering of Common        Incorporated herein by 
     Stock                            reference.  Filed
                                      previously with the
                                      Securities and Exchange 
                                      Commission as the 
                                      Company's Form S-3 dated 
                                      July 1, 1996.

10.1 Articles of Agreement Between    Incorporated herein by 
     The York Water Company and       reference.  Filed
     Springettsbury Township          previously with the
     Relative to Extension of Water   Securities and Exchange 
     Mains dated April 17, 1985       Commission as an exhibit


                                      to the Company's 
                                      1989 Form 10-K.

10.2 Articles of Agreement Between    Incorporated herein by 
     The York Water Company and       reference.  Filed
     Windsor Township Relative to     previously with the
     Extension of Water Mains dated   Securities and Exchange 
     February 9, 1989                 Commission as an exhibit 
                                      to the Company's 1989
                                      Form 10-K.

10.3 Articles of Agreement Between    Incorporated herein by
     The York Water Company and       by reference.  Filed
     Windsor Township, Yorkana        previously with the
     Borough, Modern Trash Removal    Securities and Exchange 
     of York, Inc. and Lower          Commission as an exhibit 
     Windsor Township Relative to     to the Company's 1989
     Extension of Water Mains dated   Form 10-K.
     July 18, 1989

10.4 Articles of Agreement Between    Incorporated herein by 
     The York Water Company and       reference.  Filed
     North Codorus Township           previously with the
     Relative to Extension of Water   Securities and Exchange 
     Mains dated September 20, 1989   Commission as an exhibit 
                                      to the Company's 1990
                                      Form 10-K.

10.5 Articles of Agreement Between    Incorporated herein by
     The York Water Company and York  reference.  Filed
     Township Relative to Extension   previously with the
     of Water Mains dated December    Securities and Exchange 
     29, 1989                         Commission as an exhibit 
                                      to the Company's 1990
                                      Form 10-K.

11   Common Shares Used in            Page 29
     Computing Earnings Per Share

13   1997 Annual Report to            Page 30
     Shareholders

23   Consent of Independent           Page 31
     Auditors

28.1 Undertakings Incorporated by     Page 32
     Reference into Registration
     Statement Form S-8 Dated
     December, 1988

<PAGE>
                              EXHIBIT 3


                       THE YORK WATER COMPANY

                      ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION



The Articles of Incorporation of the Company have been filed
previously with the Securities and Exchange Commission as
Amendment No. 1 to the Company's Form S-3 dated June 12, 1997 and
are hereby incorporated by reference.

<PAGE>
                             EXHIBIT 3.1


                       THE YORK WATER COMPANY

                               BY-LAWS



The By-Laws of the company have been filed previously with the
Securities and Exchange Commission as Amendment No. 1 to the
Company's Form S-3 dated June 12, 1997 and are hereby
incorporated by reference.

<PAGE>
                             EXHIBIT 4.1


                       THE YORK WATER COMPANY

                 OPTIONAL DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN


The Optional Dividend Reinvestment Plan has been filed previously
with the Securities and Exchange Commission as Amendment No. 1 to
Form S-3, dated June 12, 1997 and is hereby incorporated by
reference.

<PAGE>
                             EXHIBIT 4.4

                       THE YORK WATER COMPANY

                1986 PUBLIC OFFERING OF COMMON ST0CK 


The 1986 Public Offering of Common Stock has been filed
previously with the Securities and Exchange Commission as the
Company's Form S-2 dated October 28, 1986 and is hereby
incorporated by reference.

<PAGE>
                             EXHIBIT 4.5


                       THE YORK WATER COMPANY

                   EMPLOYEES' STOCK PURCHASE PLAN


The Employees' Stock Purchase Plan has been filed previously with
the Securities and Exchange Commission as Amendment No. 1 to the
Company's  Form S-8 dated June 12, 1997 and is hereby
incorporated by reference.

<PAGE>
                             EXHIBIT 4.6

                       THE YORK WATER COMPANY

         SENIOR NOTES, SERIES A AND SERIES B NOTE AGREEMENT



The Note Agreement relative to the $6,000,000 10.17% Senior
Notes, Series A and $5,000,000 Adjusted Rate Senior Notes, Series
B dated January 2, 1989 has been filed previously with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on Form 10-K dated March 26,
1990, and is hereby incorporated by reference.

<PAGE>
                             EXHIBIT 4.8


                       THE YORK WATER COMPANY

                SENIOR NOTES, SERIES C NOTE AGREEMENT


The Note Agreement relative to the $6,500,000 10.05% Senior
Notes, Series C dated August 15, 1990 has been filed previously
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Form 10-K dated
March 25, 1991, and is hereby incorporated by reference.

<PAGE>
                            EXHIBIT 4.10

                       THE YORK WATER COMPANY

                1992 PUBLIC OFFERING OF COMMON STOCK


The 1992 Public Offering of Common Stock has been filed
previously with the Securities and Exchange Commission as the
Company's Form S-3 dated April 15, 1992 and is hereby
incorporated by reference.

<PAGE>
                            EXHIBIT 4.11

                       THE YORK WATER COMPANY

                SENIOR NOTES, SERIES D NOTE AGREEMENT


The Note Agreement relative to the $7,500,000 8.43% Senior Notes,
Series D dated December 18, 1992 has been filed previously with
the Securities and Exchange Commission on Form 10-K, dated March
29, 1993 and is hereby incorporated by reference.

<PAGE>
                            EXHIBIT 4.12

                       THE YORK WATER COMPANY

      4.75% WATER FACILITIES REVENUE REFUNDING BONDS AGREEMENT


The Fourth Supplemental Acquisition, Financing and Sale Agreement
relative to the $2,700,000 4.75% Water Facilities Revenue
Refunding Bonds dated February 1, 1994 has been filed previously
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Form 10-Q, dated
July 27, 1994, and is hereby incorporated by reference.

<PAGE>
                            EXHIBIT 4.13

                       THE YORK WATER COMPANY

        5% WATER FACILITIES REVENUE REFUNDING BONDS AGREEMENT


The Fifth Supplemental Acquisition, Financing and Sale Agreement
relative to the $4,300,000 5% Water Facilities Revenue Refunding
Bonds dated October 1, 1995 is attached hereto.

<PAGE>
                            EXHIBIT 4.14

                       THE YORK WATER COMPANY

                1996 PUBLIC OFFERING OF COMMON STOCK


The 1996 Public Offering of Common Stock has been filed
previously with the Securities and Exchange Commission as the
Company's Form S-3 dated July 1, 1996 and is hereby incorporated
by reference.

<PAGE>
                            EXHIBIT 10.1

                       THE YORK WATER COMPANY

            SPRINGETTSBURY TOWNSHIP ARTICLES OF AGREEMENT


The Articles of Agreement between The York Water Company and
Springettsbury Township relative to extension of water mains
dated April 17, 1985 has been filed previously with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on Form 10-K, dated March 26,
1990 and is hereby incorporated by reference.

<PAGE>
                            EXHIBIT 10.2

                       THE YORK WATER COMPANY

               WINDSOR TOWNSHIP ARTICLES OF AGREEMENT


The Articles of Agreement between The York Water Company and
Windsor Township relative to extension of water mains dated
February 9, 1989 has been filed previously with the Securities
and Exchange Commission on Form 10-K, dated March 26, 1990 and is
hereby incorporated by reference.

<PAGE>
                            EXHIBIT 10.3

                       THE YORK WATER COMPANY

    WINDSOR TOWNSHIP, YORKANA BOROUGH, MODERN TRASH REMOVAL, INC.
          AND LOWER WINDSOR TOWNSHIP ARTICLES OF AGREEMENT


The Articles of Agreement between The York Water Company and
Windsor Township, Yorkana Borough, Modern Trash Removal, Inc. and
Lower Windsor Township relative to extension of water mains dated
July 18, 1989 has been filed previously with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on Form 10-K, dated March 26, 1990 and is
hereby incorporated by reference.

<PAGE>
                            EXHIBIT 10.4

                       THE YORK WATER COMPANY

            NORTH CODORUS TOWNSHIP ARTICLES OF AGREEMENT


The Articles of Agreement between The York Water Company and
North Codorus Township relative to extension of water mains dated
September 20, 1989 has been filed previously with the Securities
and Exchange Commission on Form 10-K, dated March 25, 1991 and is
hereby incorporated by reference.

<PAGE>
                            EXHIBIT 10.5

                       THE YORK WATER COMPANY

                 YORK TOWNSHIP ARTICLES OF AGREEMENT


The Articles of Agreement between The York Water Company and York
Township relative to extension of water mains dated December 29,
1989 has been filed previously with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on Form 10-K, dated March 25, 1991 and is hereby
incorporated by reference.

<PAGE>
                             EXHIBIT 11
                                  
                       THE YORK WATER COMPANY
                                  
                       COMMON SHARES USED IN
                    COMPUTING EARNINGS PER SHARE

               1997      1996      1995      1994      1993

Common shares 
outstanding, 
beginning of 
the year      2,900,524 2,549,496 2,518,736 2,487,268 2,455,556
Weighted average
shares issued in 
connection with
1996 stock
subscription          -    66,432         -         -         -

Weighted average
shares issued in
connection with 
the Employee 
Stock Purchase 
Plan              1,569     1,744     1,720     1,624     1,592

Weighted average
shares issued in
connection with
the Optional
Dividend Rein-
vestment Plan    10,376     9,892     9,924    10,480    10,468

              2,912,469 2,627,564 2,530,380 2,499,372 2,467,616


All share data has been restated to reflect the June 1997
four-for-one stock split.
<PAGE>
                             EXHIBIT 13


                       THE YORK WATER COMPANY

                 1997 ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS


The York Water Company's 1997 Annual Report to Shareholders is
attached hereto.

<PAGE>
                             EXHIBIT 23


                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

To the  Shareholders and Board of Directors of
The York Water Company:

We consent to incorporation by reference in the registration
statements No. 2-80547 on Form S-3, No. 33-81246 on Form S-3 as
amended, and No. 33-26180 on Form S-8, as amended, of The York
Water Company of our report dated February 17, 1998, relating to
the balance sheets of The York Water Company as of December 31,
1997 and 1996, and the related statements of income,
shareholders' investment, and cash flows for each of the years in
the three-year period ended December 31, 1997, which report
appears in the December 31, 1997 annual report to shareholders
and is incorporated by reference in the annual report on Form
10-K of The York Water Company.

We also consent to incorporation by reference in the registration
statements No. 2-80547 on Form S-3, No. 33-81246 on Form S-3, as
amended, and No. 33-26180 on Form S-8, as amended, of The York
Water Company of our report dated February 17, 1998 relating to
the financial statement schedule as listed in Item 14(a) of the
Company's December 31, 1997 annual report on Form 10-K, which
report appears in such annual report on Form 10-K.


                                            KPMG Peat Marwick LLP

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
March 27, 1998

<PAGE>
                            EXHIBIT 28.1

                       THE YORK WATER COMPANY

      UNDERTAKINGS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO REGISTRATION
              STATEMENT FORM S-8 DATED DECEMBER, 1988


The undertaking set forth below is filed for purposes of
incorporation by reference into Part II of the registration
statements on Form S-8, File No. 33.

Item 9.  Undertakings.

 (a)  The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

      Insofar as indemnification for liabilities
      rising under the Securities Act of 1933 (the
      "Securities Act") may be permitted to
      directors, officers or persons controlling the
      registrant pursuant to the provisions
      described in this registration statement, or
      otherwise, The York Water Company (the
      "Company") has been advised that in the
      opinion of the Commission such indemnification
      is against public policy as expressed in the
      Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable. 
      In the event that a claim for indemnification
      against such liabilities (other than the
      payment by the Company of expenses incurred or
      paid by a director, officer or controlling
      person of the Company in the successful
      defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is
      asserted by such director, officer or
      controlling person in connection with the
      securities being registered, the Company will,
      unless in the opinion of its counsel the
      matter has been settled by controlling
      precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
      jurisdiction the question whether such
      indemnification by it is against public policy
      as expressed in the Securities Act and will be
      governed by the final adjudication of such
      issue.



The York Water Company
Highlights of Our 182nd Year
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Summary of
Operations For The Year   1997        1996         1995        1994         1993
                                                                                
<S>                      <C>         <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>
Water operating rev$16,996,706  $15,721,462 $15,449,296  $14,755,707 $14,201,756
Operating expenses   9,678,694    9,223,227   9,119,832    8,881,499   8,591,315
Income taxes         1,641,229    1,258,704   1,419,907    1,055,448   1,285,799
Operating income     5,676,783    5,239,531   4,909,557    4,818,760   4,324,642
Interest expense     2,707,310    2,893,123   2,738,846    2,720,535   3,045,872
Gain on sale of land         -      134,117           -      215,417     842,002
Other income, net      150,588      279,231     141,536      131,036     430,111
Net income           3,120,061    2,759,756   2,312,247    2,444,678   2,550,883
                                                                                
Per Share of Common Stock
  Book value             $9.93       $9.65        $8.54       $8.44        $8.28
  Net income              1.07        1.05          .92         .98         1.03
  Dividends <F1>           .91         .90          .90         .90          .90
  Number of shares outstanding
    at year-end      2,934,782    2,900,524   2,549,496    2,518,736   2,487,268
                                                                                
Utility Plant
  Original cost    $97,487,926  $93,492,775 $88,710,279  $83,642,650 $77,241,368
  Construction
   expenditures      4,500,517    4,936,816   5,256,959    6,629,903   6,040,584
                                                                                
Other
  Total assets     $98,854,074  $96,736,434 $90,459,706  $86,967,330 $84,738,162
  Long-term debt    32,000,000   32,000,000  32,000,000   32,000,000  32,000,000

</TABLE>
                                                                               
<F1> Cash dividends per share reflect dividends declared on shares
outstanding at each dividend date.
All per share data has been restated to reflect the June 1997 four-
for-one stock split.
For Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations,  Please Refer to Page 3.

<PAGE>
Directors, Officers and Key Employees

Irvin S. Naylor<F1>
Chairman of the Board
Vice Chairman of Board
Cor-Box, Incorporated

William T. Morris, P.E.<F1>
President and
Chief Executive Officer
The York Water Company

Horace Keesey III<F1>
Vice Chairman of the Board
Consultant

George Hay Kain, III
Attorney at Law

Frank Motter<F1>
President
Motter Printing Press Co.

Chloe Eichelberger
President/Chief Executive
 Officer
Chloe Eichelberger Textiles,
Inc.

Paul W. Ware<F1>
Chairman
Penn Fuel Gas, Inc.

John L. Finlayson<F2>
Vice President-Finance and
Administration
Susquehanna Pfaltzgraff Co.

<PAGE>
Michael W. Gang<F2>
Partner
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP

Directors Emeriti
William H. Kain
Robert E. Skold
Josephine S. Appell

<F1>Members of the
  Executive Committee
<F2>Alternate Members of 
  the Executive Committee

Staff
William T. Morris, P.E.
President and
Chief Executive Officer

Jeffrey S. Osman
Vice President-Finance
Secretary-Treasurer

Duane R. Close
Vice President-Operations

Jeffrey R. Hines, P.E.
Vice President-Engineering

Bruce C. McIntosh
Human Resources Director

Lois L. Shultz
Customer Service Manager
Assistant Secretary/
Assistant Treasurer
<PAGE>
To Our Shareholders:


A drought, southern expansion and increased net income have all
combined to make 1997 a very interesting and exciting year.

Operating revenue for 1997 of $16,996,706 increased 8.1% over
that recorded in 1996.  Net income increased 13.1% to a record
high of $3,120,061.  These increases are attributable in part to
a small increase in water usage and due to the full year effect
of the September 5, 1996 rate increase.

As is highlighted elsewhere in this report, due to the foresight
of past Company Boards and Management, your Company was able to
provide service without imposing any restrictions during the 1997
drought.  Rainfall for 1977 was 6.99 inches below normal with the
lack of rainfall in April establishing a new record minimum
rainfall.  Although less total rainfall was recorded in 1991 and
1988, each of those years had seven months when the rainfall was
80% or more below average.  In 1997 there were eight months that
the rainfall was 80% or more below average.  In accordance with
our drought contingency plan, we drew Lake Williams down to a
maximum point of 260.5 inches below the spillway and for the
first time, due to a drought, withdrew water from Lake Redman. 
We drew Lake Redman down to a maximum point of 20 inches below
the spillway.  The reservoirs and our plan functioned as designed
and our customers enjoyed continued full service.

In mid 1997 we finalized details and started construction on a
major expansion into southern York County.  The new area includes
portions of Shrewsbury, Hopewell and North Hopewell Townships. 
This expansion adds an additional 21,000 feet of water main, a
one million gallon steel standpipe, and a booster pump station. 
The project when completed in mid 1998 will cost approximately
$1.5 million with approximately $600,000 of this cost being paid
by the project's developer participants.  An additional 500
residential and 27 industrial/commercial customers will be added
initially.


Early in 1997 your Company applied for and received permission to
recover its investment in infrastructure rehabilitation and
replacement between rate base filings.  The recovery amount is
known as the Distribution System Improvement Charge (DSIC).  The
implementation of the DSIC will enable us to address the problems
presented by an aging distribution system in an orderly and
comprehensive manner and to continue to provide solutions to
regional water problems.  It will also reduce the administrative
cost of these repairs to allow more funds to go directly into
construction.

Also in 1997 we began a USEPA required 18 month water analysis
program titled The Information Collection Rule (ICR).  This rule
requires over 500 of the largest water suppliers in the United
States to collect and analyze numerous water samples from their
treatment systems each month and submit the results to USEPA on
computer disk.  The data submitted will be used to assess water
quality and will aid in formulating future water quality
regulations. Our compliance with this will cost between $50,000
and $100,000.

The Company's other 1997 major activities included:  the sale of
bulk water to Glen Rock Borough; a four-for-one stock split; the
elimination of the annual reinvestment limit on your Company's
dividend reinvestment plan (DRIP); a new one million gallon tank
in the New Salem Borough area to replace the old 300,000 gallon
tank; and the upgrade of the New Salem Booster Station.

The Company's 1998 planned activities include:  expansion into
Conewago Township; the completion of the Southern York County
expansion; the sale of bulk water to Stewartstown Borough; and,
the engineering to provide increased capacity, by the
installation of some type of gates, to Lake Redman.

In closing, on behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to
extend my appreciation to our dedicated, hardworking employees
who consistently go above and beyond the call of duty to bring
"that good York water" into the homes and businesses of our
customers with high levels of quality and service.  It is their
efforts which give our Company a well earned reputation for
excellence throughout the communities we serve.


Respectfully submitted,


William T. Morris, P.E.
President and Chief Executive Officer



The York Water Company
Description of Business

   The business of The York Water Company is to impound, purify
and distribute water.  The Company operates entirely within its
franchised territory  located in York County, Pennsylvania, and
is subject to regulation by the Pennsylvania Public Utility
Commission (PPUC).  Water service is supplied through the
Company's own distribution system to the City of York, the
Boroughs of North York, West York, Manchester, Mount Wolf, New
Salem, Hallam, Jacobus, Loganville, Yorkana, Seven Valleys, East
Prospect, Jefferson, Glen Rock and portions of the Townships of
Manchester, East Manchester, West Manchester, North Codorus,
Springettsbury, Spring Garden, Springfield, York, Hellam,
Windsor, Lower Windsor, Codorus and Jackson.  The Company's
service territory has an estimated population of 140,700.
Industry of the area served is diversified, manufacturing such
items as fixtures and furniture, electrical machinery, food
products, paper, ordnance, textile products, air conditioning,
barbells, etc.  The Company's present average daily consumption
is 19,405,000 gallons, and its present safe daily yield is
29,900,000 gallons.
<PAGE>
   In the area served by the Company, under the supervision of
the PPUC, there are no competitors.  During the five years ended
in 1996, the Company has maintained an increasing growth in
number of customers and distribution facilities as shown by the
following chart:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>                 1997         1996        1995         1994        1993
<S>
Average daily            <C>          <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>
consumption (gallons
per day)           19,405,000   18,593,000  19,657,000   19,660,000  19,380,000
Miles of mains at 
year-end                  655          641         622          597         580
Distribution mains
 installed (ft.)       77,274       78,619      84,515       91,087      58,414
Number of customers    46,458       45,800      44,879       43,830      42,844
Population served     140,700      143,000     140,000      136,000     134,000
</TABLE>
                                                                     
Operating revenue in 1997 is derived from the following sources
and in the following percentages:  Residential 59%; Commercial
and Industrial, 31%; Other, 10%.        

Security Market and Dividends
Securities of The York Water Company are traded over-the-counter.
Quarterly price ranges and cash dividends per share for the last
two years follow (All per share data has been restated to reflect
the June 1997 four-for-one stock split):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>                1997                             1996
                  HIGH   LOW     DIVIDEND<F1>      HIGH   LOW    DIVIDEND<F1>
                                                                               
<S>               <C>    <C>     <C>               <C>    <C>     <C>
1st Quarter     $17.38  $16.81   $.225           $17.25  $16.97   $.225
2nd Quarter      21.69   17.31    .225            17.94   17.25    .225
3rd Quarter      23.50   21.00    .230            17.50   17.19    .225
4th Quarter      23.00   19.25    .230            17.38   16.81    .225
</TABLE>                                                                      
<F1> Cash dividends per share reflect dividends declared on
shares actually outstanding at each dividend date.
(Refer to Note 4 to the Financial Statements for a description of
the restriction on the declaration and payment of cash
dividends.)

Prices are bid prices quoted from local newspapers.
Shareholders of record as of December 31, 1997 were 1,334.

THE COMPANY WILL PROVIDE TO SHAREHOLDERS OF RECORD, AND/OR
BENEFICIAL OWNERS, UPON WRITTEN REQUEST, WITHOUT CHARGE, A COPY
OF FORM 10-K AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
FOR THE YEAR 1997.
Requests Should Be Made To:
    LOIS L. SHULTZ - ASSISTANT SECRETARY
    THE YORK WATER COMPANY
    BOX 15089, YORK, PA 17405<PAGE>
The York Water Company

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations
 
Results of Operations

1997 Compared with 1996

   Water operating revenues for 1997 increased $1,275,244 or
8.1% over 1996.  The increase resulted primarily from an increase
in rates of 6.0% approved by the Pennsylvania Public Utility
Commission (PPUC) effective September 5, 1996.  Consumption for
1997 increased 4.5% for residential customers, and decreased .8%
for commercial and industrial customers combined compared to
1996.
   Operating expenses, exclusive of depreciation and taxes, for
1997 increased $218,674 or 3.2%.  Maintenance costs associated
with structures, equipment, and service lines, increased Company
match expenses for the 401k program, and higher power costs were
the main causes of the increase.  Lower workers' compensation
premiums and decreased meter reading expenses partially offset
the increase.
   Depreciation expense for 1997 increased $181,885 or 13.3%
from 1996 to 1997 due to increased plant investment.
   Federal and state income taxes for 1997 increased $382,525 or
30.4% when compared to 1996 principally as a result of an
increase in taxable income.
   Interest on short-term debt for 1997 decreased $250,733 when
compared to 1996, due to a decrease in short-term debt
outstanding during 1997.  The average short-term debt outstanding
in 1997 and 1996 was $479,452 and $3,628,378, respectively.
   Allowance for funds used during construction for 1997
decreased $64,920 or 57.9% when compared to 1996.  The decrease
was due to a decrease in the Company's plant investment under
construction from an average of $3,900,000 in 1996 to $1,900,000
in 1997.
   During 1996, the Company had a gain on sale of one parcel of
land of $134,117 ($79,674 after tax).  No such transaction
occurred in 1997.
   Other income, net for 1997 decreased $128,643 or 46.1% when
compared to 1996.  Other income in 1996 contained additional
income on water district notes resulting from additional
customers, and interest on stock subscription funds, whereas 1997
other income contained less interest on water district notes and
no interest on stock subscription funds.  In addition, donations
were higher in 1997 than in 1996.

1996 Compared with 1995
   Water operating revenues for 1996 increased $272,166 or 1.8%
over 1995.  The increase resulted primarily from an increase in
rates of 6.0% approved by the PPUC effective September 5, 1996. 
While residential revenues were up 4.2%, commercial and
industrial revenues declined 6.9% from 1995 to 1996.
   Operating expenses, exclusive of depreciation and taxes, for
1996 increased $196,945 or 3.0%.  The expense increase was
generally due to increases in pension fees, maintenance of
structures and equipment, legal fees, and power expenses.  Lower
cable meter reading fees partially offset the increase.
   Depreciation expense for 1996 decreased $139,465 or 9.2%
since 1995 as a result of a reevaluation of plant assets
resulting in longer useful lives, and therefore, lower
depreciation rates.
   Federal and state income taxes for 1996 decreased $161,203 or
11.4% when compared to 1995 principally as a result of an
increase in deferred income tax expense in 1995 resulting from a
reduction in deferred tax assets by recognizing a 2% decline in
the state income tax rates.
   Interest on long-term debt for 1996 decreased $70,771 or
2.5%, related to the issuance of $4,300,000 5% Revenue Refunding
Bonds to replace a like amount of bonds with an interest rate of
6.25% during the fourth quarter of 1995.
   Interest on short-term debt for 1996 increased $110,898 when
compared to 1995, due primarily to an increase in short-term debt
outstanding during 1996.  The average short-term debt outstanding
in 1996 and 1995 was $3,628,378 and $2,312,964, respectively. 
The increase in short-term debt was used to fund construction
expenditures.
   Allowance for funds used during construction for 1996
decreased $114,150 or 50.4% when compared to 1995.  The decrease
was due to a decrease in the Company's plant investment under
construction during 1996.
   During 1996, the Company had a gain on sale of one parcel of
land of $134,117 ($79,674 after tax).
   Other income, net for 1996 increased $137,695 or 97.3% when
compared to 1995.  The increase was due to the recognition of
additional income on water district notes as a result of
additional customers in those districts.

Rate Developments
   Within the last several years the Company has filed written
applications for rate increases with the PPUC and has been
granted rate relief as a result of such requests.  The most
recent formal rate request was filed by the Company on May 9,
1996, seeking a 9.6% increase in annual revenues.  Effective
September 5, 1996, the PPUC authorized an increase in rates
designed to produce approximately $960,000 in additional annual
operating revenues, an increase of 6.0%.  The Company does not
expect to file another application for a rate increase until
after 1998.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
   During 1997, the per capita volume of water sold did not
significantly change compared to 1996.  The Company does not
anticipate any change in the level of water usage which would
have a material impact on future results of operations.
   During 1997, the Company had $4,500,517 of construction
expenditures.  The Company financed such expenditures through
internally generated funds, customers' advances, short-term
borrowings, and proceeds from the issuance of common stock under
its dividend reinvestment plan (stock issued in lieu of cash
dividends), and employee stock purchase plan.
   During 1997, amendments to the existing Articles of
Incorporation were approved.  The amendments (i) increased the
authorized capital stock of the Company from 1,200,000 shares of
common stock, par value $10.00 to 6,500,000 shares (6,000,000
shares of common stock, without par value, and 500,000 shares of
Series Preferred Stock, without par value); (ii) eliminated the
concept of par value of the capital stock; and (iii) deleted
certain provisions relating to dividends and shares in
distribution and common stock in order to allow for possible
future issuance of Series Preferred Stock.
   Also, during 1997, the Board of Directors declared a four-
for-one stock split for shareholders of record on June 2, 1997,
in conjunction with the increase in authorized shares.  The stock
was distributed on June 10, 1997.  Shareholders of record
received three additional shares of common stock for each share
owned.  The transaction had no effect on total shareholders'
equity, but caused a restatement of all per share amounts.  The
Board of Directors also approved an increase in the number of
authorized shares for the Dividend Reinvestment Program by a
factor of four to reflect the stock split, and the Employee Stock
Purchase Plan by a factor of four plus an additional 50,000
shares.
   The Company anticipates construction expenditures for 1998
and 1999 of approximately $5,940,000 and $15,163,000,
respectively.  The Company plans to finance such expenditures
with internally generated funds, customers' advances, short-term
borrowings, proceeds from the issuance of common stock under its
dividend reinvestment plan (stock issued in lieu of cash
dividends) and employee stock purchase plan, and a possible stock
offering.
   The Company anticipates that it will submit an application in
the future with the PPUC proposing increases in rates to provide
a fair rate of return on the capital expenditures associated with
its 1998 and 1999 construction projects.
   During 1997, net cash used in investing and financing
activities exceeded cash provided by operating activities.  
Borrowings against the Company's lines of credit, proceeds from
the issuance of common stock under its dividend reinvestment plan
(stock issued in lieu of cash dividends) and employee stock
purchase plan and customers' advances are used to satisfy the
need for additional cash.  The Company anticipates that during
1998 net cash used in investing and financing activities will
again exceed net cash provided by operating activities.
   As of December 31, 1997, current assets exceeded current
liabilities by $488,649.  As of December 31, 1996, current assets
exceeded current liabilities by $468,190.  Short-term borrowings
from lines of credit as of December 31, 1997 and 1996 were
$843,000 and $1,237,000, respectively.  The Company maintains
lines of credit aggregating $20,000,000.  Loans granted under
these lines of credit bear interest based on the prime or LIBOR
rates plus basis points, as defined.  The Company is not required
to maintain compensating balances on its lines of credit.
   During 1997, the Company's dividend payout ratios relative to
net income and cash provided by operating activities were 84.9%
and 52.0%, respectively.  The Company believes that these payout
ratios are appropriate.
   Shareholders' investment as a percent of total capitalization
was  47.7% as of December 31, 1997 compared with 46.7% as of
December 31, 1996.
   The Company, like all other businesses, is affected by
inflation, most notably by the continually increasing costs
incurred to maintain and expand its service capacity.  The
cumulative effect of inflation results in significantly higher
facility replacement costs which must be recovered from future
cash flows.  The ability of the Company to recover this increased
investment in facilities is dependent upon future revenue
increases, which are subject to approval by the PPUC.
   The Company is aware of the issues associated with the
programming code in existing computer systems as the millennium
(year 2000) approaches.  The "year 2000" problem is pervasive and
complex as virtually every computer operation will be affected in
some way by the rollover of the two digit year value to 00.  The
issue is whether computer systems will properly recognize date
sensitive information when the year changes to 2000.  Systems
that do not properly recognize such information could generate
erroneous data or cause a system to fail.
   The Company is utilizing both internal and external resources
to identify, correct or reprogram, and test the systems for the
year 2000 compliance.  It is anticipated that critical re-
programming efforts will be complete and tested by December 31,
1998, while less serious problems will be fixed and tested by
October 1999.  The Company expects to incur costs between $25,000
and $50,000 on this project.
Impact of Recent Accounting Pronouncements
   In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board
(FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128
(SFAS 128), "Earnings Per Share."  SFAS 128 establishes standards
for computing and presenting earnings per share.  SFAS 128 is
effective for financial statements issued for periods ending
after December 15, 1997.  Adoption of this new Statement in 1997
did not have a material impact on the Company's financial
position, results of operations, or liquidity as of and for the
year ended December 31, 1997.
   In February 1997, the FASB issued Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 129, "Disclosure of Information about
Capital Structure" (SFAS 129).  SFAS 129 establishes standards
for disclosing information about an entity's capital structure. 
SFAS 129 is effective for financial statements issued for periods
ending after December 15, 1997.  Adoption of this new Statement
in 1997 did not have a material impact on the Company's financial
position, results of operations, or liquidity as of and for the
year ended December 31, 1997.
   In June 1997, the FASB issued Statements of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income,"
and No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and
Related Information."  These statements establish standards for
reporting and display of comprehensive income and its components
and for reporting information about business segments and
products in financial statements, and are effective for years
beginning after December 15, 1997.  Adoption of these statements
is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's
financial statements.
   In February 1998, the FASB issued Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 132, "Employers' Disclosures about
Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits" (SFAS 132) which
amends the disclosure requirements of Statements No. 87,
"Employers' Accounting for Pensions" (SFAS 87), No. 88,
"Employers' Accounting for Settlements and Curtailments of
Defined Benefit Pensions Plans and for Termination Benefits"
(SFAS 88), and No. 106, "Employers' Accounting for Postretirement
Benefits Other Than Pensions" (SFAS 106).  This Statement
standardizes the disclosure requirements of SFAS 87 SFAS 106 to
the extent practicable and recommends a parallel format for
presenting information about pensions and other postretirement
benefits and does not change any of the measurement or
recognition provisions provided for in SFAS 87, 88, or 106.  The
statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after December
15, 1997.  Adoption of this statement is not expected to have a
material effect on the Company's financial statements.
   In January 1997, the Securities and Exchange Commission
amended regulations and forms, including regulations S-X and S-K,
to clarify and expand existing disclosure requirements about
accounting policies for certain derivative instruments, and to
add new disclosure requirements about the risk of loss from
changes in market rates or prices which are inherent in
derivatives.  Adoption by the Company of the disclosure
requirements relating to risk of loss, which requirements are
effective for fiscal years ending after June 15, 1998, are not
expected to have a material effect on the Company's financial
statements.<PAGE>
Balance Sheets
                                            December 31       
Assets                                    1997        1996     
UTILITY PLANT, at original cost. . . .$97,487,926  $93,492,775
Less-Reserve for depreciation. . . . . 14,332,890   13,158,637
                                       83,155,036   80,334,138

OTHER PHYSICAL PROPERTY:
Less-Reserve for depreciation of
$65,193 in 1997 and $60,326 in 1996. .    498,859      421,145

CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and Cash Equivalents. . . . . . .          -      694,491
Receivables, less reserves of
 $110,000 in 1997 and $90,000 in 1996.  2,540,075    2,523,510
Recoverable income taxes . . . . . . .    547,182      159,203
Materials and supplies, at cost  . . .    337,837      302,821
Prepaid expenses . . . . . . . . . . .    190,314      221,402
Deferred income taxes (Note 3) . . . .     75,017       61,377
                                        3,690,425    3,962,804
OTHER LONG-TERM ASSETS:               
Prepaid pension cost (Note 6). . . . .  1,732,394    1,680,286
Deferred debt expense. . . . . . . . .    440,163      474,049
Deferred rate case expense . . . . . .     57,055      142,385
Notes receivable (Note 7). . . . . . .    913,934      990,448
Deferred regulatory assets (Note 1). .  7,287,799    7,827,988
Other. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  1,078,409      903,191
                                       11,509,754   12,018,347
                                      $98,854,074  $96,736,434

                                                                     
Capitalization and Liabilities 

CAPITALIZATION:
Common stock, no par value,
 authorized 6,000,000 shares in 1997
 and 4,800,000 shares in 1996, out-
 standing 2,934,782 shares in 1997 and
 2,900,524 shares in 1996 (Note 5) . .$26,453,873  $25,775,639
Earnings retained in the business. . .  2,696,913    2,227,118
                                       29,150,786   28,002,757

Long-term debt (Note 4). . . . . . . . 32,000,000   32,000,000
                                       61,150,786   60,002,757
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Short-term borrowings (Note 4) . . . .    843,000    1,237,000
Accounts payable.. . . . . . . . . . .    551,402      376,469
Dividends payable. . . . . . . . . . .    488,483      531,977
Accrued taxes. . . . . . . . . . . . .    115,073      117,668
Advance water revenues . . . . . . . .    182,118      164,256
Accrued interest . . . . . . . . . . .    675,761      675,761
Other accrued expenses . . . . . . . .    345,939      391,483
                                        3,201,776    3,494,614
DEFERRED CREDITS:
Customers' advances for construction
 (Note 7). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16,219,638   15,471,245
Contributions in aid of construction .  5,861,487    5,606,358
Deferred income taxes (Note 3) . . . .  9,807,788    9,744,675
Deferred regulatory liabilities
 (Note 1). . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  1,572,985    1,528,582
Deferred employee benefits . . . . . .  1,039,614      888,203
                                       34,501,512   33,239,063
                                      $98,854,074  $96,736,434
                                                                     
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>Statements of Income
                                      Year Ended December 31                   
<S>                               1997           1996           1995            
WATER OPERATING REVENUES:          <C>            <C>            <C>
Residential                   $ 9,975,226    $ 9,273,216    $ 8,895,601
Commercial and industrial       5,293,730      4,925,781      5,292,109
Other                           1,727,750      1,522,465      1,261,586
                               16,996,706     15,721,462     15,449,296
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Operation and maintenance.      3,826,546      3,616,765      3,467,540
Administrative and general      3,244,384      3,235,491      3,187,771
                                7,070,930      6,852,256      6,655,311
Depreciation                    1,552,338      1,370,453      1,509,918
Taxes other than income taxes   1,055,426      1,000,518        954,603
Federal and state income taxes
                 (Note 3)       1,641,229      1,258,704      1,419,907
                               11,319,923     10,481,931     10,539,739
       Operating income         5,676,783      5,239,531      4,909,557
INTEREST EXPENSE AND OTHER INCOME:
Interest on long-term debt
             (Note 4)           2,718,950      2,718,950      2,789,721
Interest on short-term debt
             (Note 4)              35,589        286,322        175,424
Allowance for funds
      used during construction    (47,229)      (112,149)      (226,299)
Gain on sale of land                    -       (134,117)             -
Other income, net                (150,588)      (279,231)      (141,536)
                                2,556,722      2,479,775      2,597,310
       Net income             $ 3,120,061    $ 2,759,756    $ 2,312,247
Earnings per share (Note 5)         $1.07          $1.05          $0.92
                                                                               
Statements of Shareholders' Investment
                                                               Earnings
                                                               Retained
                                              Common             In The
                                               Stock           Business         

Balance, January 31, 1995                 19,442,989          1,808,925
  Net income                                       -          2,312,247
  Cash dividends ($.90 per share)                  -         (2,277,190)
  Issuance of common stock under dividend
  reinvestment plan                          409,182               -
  Issuance of common stock under employee
  stock purchase plan                         75,614               -
Balance, December 31, 1995                19,927,785          1,843,982
  Net income                                       -          2,759,756
  Cash dividends ($.90 per share)                  -         (2,376,620)
  Issuance of common stock under dividend
  reinvestment plan                          436,433               -
  Issuance of common stock under employee
  stock purchase plan                         79,502               -
  Issuance of 319,924 shares of common
  stock (Note 5)                           5,331,919               -
Balance, December 31, 1996                25,775,639          2,227,118
  Net income                                       -          3,120,061
  Cash dividends ($.91 per share)                  -         (2,650,266)
  Issuance of common stock under dividend
  reinvestment plan                          596,663               -
  Issuance of common stock under employee
  stock purchase plan                         81,682               -
Balance, December 31, 1997               $26,453,873         $2,696,913
                                                                             
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Statements of Cash Flows
                                              Year Ended December 31            
<S>                                       1997        1996          1995        
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:      <C>         <C>            <C>
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $3,120,061 $ 2,759,756    $ 2,312,247
Adjustments to reconcile net income to
 net cash provided by operating activities:
Gain on sale of land . . . . . . . ..           -    (134,117)             -
Depreciation . . . . . . . . . . . ..   1,552,338   1,370,453      1,509,918
Provision for losses on accounts rec       97,923      73,201         67,319
Increase in deferred income taxes (including
 regulatory assets and liabilities)..     634,065     552,557        308,755
Changes in assets and liabilities:
  Increase in accounts receivable.. .    (114,488)   (153,582)      (299,160)
  Increase in recoverable income taxes   (387,979)    (63,080)       (96,123)
  Increase in materials and supplies .    (35,016)     (3,184)        (1,281)
  Increase in prepaid expenses and prepaid
   pension costs . . . . . . . . . .      (21,020)   (256,058)      (131,406)
  Increase (decrease) in accounts payable,
   accrued expenses, other liabilities and
   deferred employee benefits. . . ..     255,168     245,921       (409,051)
  (Decrease) increase in accrued interest
   and taxes . . . . . . . . . . . ..      (2,595)     61,335       (279,993)
  (Increase) decrease in other assets.     (6,435)   (142,980)        18,800

  Net Cash Provided by Operating Activ  5,092,022   4,310,222      3,000,025

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Acquisitions of temporary investments. (5,878,000)   (101,000)             -
Maturities of temporary investments. .  5,878,000     101,000              -
Proceeds from the sale of land . . .            -     191,700              -
Costs incurred related to sale of land          -     (57,583)             -
Construction expenditures. . . . . .   (4,500,517) (4,936,816)    (5,256,959)
Customers' advances for construction and
 contributions in aid of construction   1,003,522     587,064      1,077,693
  Net Cash Used in Investing Activities(3,496,995) (4,215,635)    (4,179,266)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net (repayments) borrowings under
 line-of-credit agreements . . . . ..    (394,000) (2,927,000)     2,862,000
Issuance of 319,924 shares common stock         -   5,331,919              -
Issuance of common stock under dividend
 reinvestment plan . . . . . . . . . .    596,552     436,433        409,182
Issuance of common stock under employee
 stock purchase plan . . . . . . . ..      81,682      79,502         75,614
Dividends paid . . . . . . . . . . ..  (2,650,266) (2,376,620)    (2,277,190)
Decrease in notes receivable . . . ..      76,514      55,670        109,635

  Net Cash (Used in) Provided by
  Financing Activities . . . . .  . .  (2,289,518)    599,904      1,179,241

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash
 equivalents . . . . . . . . . . .  .    (694,491)    694,491              -
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning
 of year                                  694,491           -              -

Cash and cash equivalents at
                   end of year         $        -  $  694,491     $        -
                                                                         
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow
 information:
Cash paid during the year for:
  Interest, net of amounts capitalized $2,712,436  $2,934,054     $2,552,529
  Income taxes . . . . . . . . . . .    1,492,592     874,388      1,488,488

                                                                                
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
Notes to Financial Statements

l. Accounting Policies
   The business of The York Water Company is to impound, purify
and distribute water.  The Company operates entirely within its
franchised territory located in York County, Pennsylvania, and is
subject to regulation by the PPUC.
   The following summarizes the significant accounting policies
employed by The York Water Company.

Depreciation, Amortization, Maintenance and Repairs-
   The straight-line remaining life method is used to compute
depreciation on utility plant cost.  The effective rate of
depreciation was 2.09% in 1997, 1.99% in 1996 and 2.42% in 1995
on average utility plant, net of customers' advances and
contributions.  Larger depreciation provisions are deducted for
tax purposes.
   During the second quarter of 1996, the Company revised its
estimates of remaining useful lives of the utility plant based on
an external engineering study.  The effect of applying these new
lives was to reduce depreciation expense by approximately
$283,000, increase operating income and net income by
approximately $187,000 and net income per share by approximately
$.07.
   Annual provisions for depreciation of transportation and
mechanical equipment included in utility plant are computed on a
straight-line basis over the estimated service lives.  Such
provisions are charged to clearing accounts and apportioned
therefrom to operating expenses and other accounts in accordance
with the Uniform System of Accounts as prescribed by the PPUC.
   The Company charges to maintenance expense the cost of
repairs and replacements and renewals of less than units of
property.  Maintenance of transportation equipment is charged to
clearing accounts and apportioned therefrom in a manner similar
to depreciation.  The cost of replacements, renewals and
betterments of units of property is capitalized to the utility
plant accounts.
   Upon normal retirement of depreciable property, the estimated
or actual cost of the asset is credited to the utility plant
account, and such amounts, together with the cost of removal less
salvage, is charged to the reserve for depreciation.  Gains or
losses from abnormal retirements are reflected in income
currently.

Deferred Charges-
   Deferred debt expense is amortized on a straight-line basis
over the term of the related debt.
   Deferred rate case expense is amortized over two years as
specified by the PPUC for ratemaking purposes.

Revenues-
   Revenues include amounts billed to customers on a cycle basis
and unbilled amounts based on estimated usage from the latest
meter reading to the end of the accounting period.

Customers' Advances for Construction-
   Advances are received from customers for construction of
utility plant and are refundable as operating revenues are earned
and any notes receivable have been paid after the completion of
construction (see also Note 7).  After all refunds to which the
customer is entitled are made, any remaining balance is
transferred to contributions in aid of construction.

Contributions in Aid of Construction-
   Contributions in aid of construction include direct
contributions and the portion of customers' advances for
construction which become nonrefundable.  Transfers to other
accounts may not be made without approval of the PPUC.

Income Taxes-
   Certain income and expense items are accounted for in
different time periods for financial reporting than for income
tax reporting purposes.
   Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability
method.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for
the future tax consequences attributable to differences between
the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and
liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and
tax credit carryforwards.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities
are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable
income in the years in which those temporary differences are
expected to be recovered or settled.  The effect on deferred tax
assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in
income in the period that includes the enactment date.
   The Company is also required to recognize regulatory assets
and liabilities for the effect on revenues expected to be
realized as the tax effects of temporary differences previously
flowed through to customers reverse.
   Investment tax credits have been deferred and are being
amortized to income over the average estimated service lives of
the related assets.

Notes Receivable-
   Notes receivable are recorded at cost, less the related
allowance for impaired notes receivable.  Management, considering
current information and events regarding the borrowers' ability
to repay their obligations, considers a note to be impaired when
it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all
amounts due according to the contractual terms of the note
agreement.  When a loan is considered to be impaired, the amount
of the impairment is measured based on the present value of
expected future cash flows discounted at the note's effective
interest rate.

Pension Plans-
   The Company has defined benefit pension plans covering
substantially all of its employees.  The benefits are based on
years of service and the employee's compensation before
retirement.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Long-Lived Assets to be
Disposed Of-
   The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 121,
"Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-
Lived Assets to be Disposed Of," on January 1, 1996.  This
Statement requires that long-lived assets and certain
identifiable intangibles be reviewed for impairment whenever
events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying
amount of an asset may not be recoverable.  Recoverability of
assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the
carrying amount of an asset to future net cash flows expected to
be generated by the asset.  If such assets are considered to be
impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the
amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceed the fair
value of the assets.  Assets to be disposed of are reported at
the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to
sell.  Adoption of this Statement did not have a material impact
on the Company's financial position, results of operations, or
liquidity.
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction-
   Allowance for funds used during construction (AFUDC)
represents the cost of funds used for construction purposes
during the period of construction.  These costs are reflected as
non-cash income during the construction period and as an addition
to the cost of plant constructed.  The AFUDC rate was 10.04% for
1997, 1996, and 1995.
Statements of Cash Flows-
   For the purposes of the statements of cash flows, the Company
considers all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with a
maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents except
for those instruments earmarked to fund construction expenditures
or repay long-term debt.
Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements-
   The preparation of financial statements in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles requires management to
make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts
of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and
liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the
reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting
period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

2. Rate Increases
   The Company has increased rates as approved by the PPUC in 
September 1996 (6.0%).<PAGE>
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

3.  Income Taxes

     The provisions for income taxes consist of:

                                 1997         1996      1995  

Federal current             $  838,367  $  570,390   $  805,004
State current                  168,797     111,026      254,807
Federal deferred               626,113     523,452      279,490
State deferred                  84,284      50,834      117,915
Federal investment tax
 credit, net of current
 utilization...........        (76,332)      3,002      (37,309)
Total income
 taxes.................     $1,641,229  $1,258,704   $1,419,907


     A reconciliation of the statutory Federal tax provision (34%) to
the total provision follows:

                                 1997         1996      1995  
Statutory Federal
  tax provision             $1,618,839  $1,360,298   $1,268,932
Reversal of
  taxes related to
  rate cases...........         29,012     (33,961)      33,104
Tax-exempt
  interest.............        (39,968)    (53,421)     (27,674)
Effect of
  depreciation
  flowed through               (32,921)    (54,906)     (58,448)
Effect of cost of
  removal flowed
  through..............        (19,835)    (19,603)     (24,163)
Amortization of
  investment tax
  credit...............        (37,765)    (38,495)     (38,108)

Tank painting expenses.        (37,308)          -            -
State income
  taxes, net of
  Federal benefit......        167,033     106,828      245,997
Other, net.............         (5,858)     (8,036)      20,267
Total income
  taxes................     $1,641,229  $1,258,704   $1,419,907

   The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to
significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax
liabilities as of December 31, 1997 and 1996 are summarized in
the following table:
                                            1997        1996

Deferred tax assets:
 Allowance for doubtful accounts       $   75,017  $   61,377
 Deferred compensation                    521,228     496,637
 Customers' advances
  and contributions                     4,444,641   4,612,474
 Alternative minimum tax
  credit carryforward                   1,007,001     748,514
 Other                                     30,504           -

 Total gross deferred tax assets        6,078,391   5,919,002
 Less valuation allowance                       -           -

Total deferred tax assets               6,078,391   5,919,002

Deferred tax liabilities:
 Accelerated depreciation              12,198,349  12,195,132
 Investment tax credit                    400,652     452,652
 Depreciation on customers'
  advance assets                        1,089,048     924,318
 Pension income                           953,119     917,584
 Cost of removal                          396,873     357,089
 Tank painting                            351,829     276,997
 Other                                    421,292     478,528
 Total deferred tax liabilities        15,811,162  15,602,300

Net deferred tax liability            $ 9,732,771  $9,683,298

Reflected on balance sheets as:
  Current deferred tax asset          $    75,017 $    61,377
  Noncurrent deferred tax liability    (9,807,788) (9,744,675)

Net deferred tax liability            $(9,732,771)$(9,683,298)

   No valuation allowance is required for deferred tax assets as
of December 31, 1997 and 1996.  In assessing the realizability of
deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more
likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax
assets will not be realized.  The ultimate realization of
deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future
taxable income during the periods in which those temporary
differences become deductible.  Management considers the
scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future
taxable income, and tax planning strategies in making this
assessment.  Based upon the level of historical taxable income
and the current regulatory environment, management believes it is
more likely than not the Company will realize the benefits of
these deductible differences.
   During 1996, the Company recorded a gain on sale of land of
$134,117.  Federal and state income taxes relative to the gain
amounted to $54,443.
<PAGE>
4.  Borrowings

  Long-term debt as of December 31, 1997 and 1996 is summarized
in the following table:

                                           1997                 1996

10.17% Senior Notes,
  Series A, due 2019..............    $ 6,000,000           $ 6,000,000
9.60% Senior Notes,
  Series B, due 2019..............      5,000,000             5,000,000
10.05% Senior Notes,
  Series C, due 2020..............      6,500,000             6,500,000
8.43% Senior Notes,
  Series D, due 2022..............      7,500,000             7,500,000
4.75% Industrial Development
  Authority Revenue Refunding
  Bonds, Series 1994, due 2009....      2,700,000             2,700,000
5% Industrial Development
  Authority Revenue Refunding
  Bonds, Series 1995, due 2010.....     4,300,000             4,300,000

                                      $32,000,000           $32,000,000

 The Company maintains lines of credit aggregating $20,000,000. 
Loans granted under these lines as of December 31, 1997 bear
interest based on the prime or LIBOR rate plus basis points, as
defined.  Short-term borrowings amounted to $843,000 as of
December 31, 1997 and $1,237,000 as of December 31, 1996.  The
weighted average interest rate on short-term borrowings
outstanding as of December 31, 1997 and 1996 is 7.41% and 7.12%,
respectively.  All of the lines of credit expire within one year,
and all are payable upon demand.  The Company is not required to
maintain compensating balances on its lines of credit.
 Long-term debt maturing in the next five years is as follows:
                   1999 $2,700,000
                   2000  4,300,000
 The terms of the debt agreements limit in some cases the
Company's ability to prepay its borrowings and include certain
restrictions with respect to declaration and payment of cash
dividends and acquisition of the Company's stock.  Under the
terms of the most restrictive agreements, cumulative payments for
dividends and acquisition of stock since December 31, 1982 may
not exceed $1,500,000 plus net income since that date.  As of
December 31, 1997, none of the earnings retained in the business
are restricted under these provisions.

5.  Common Stock and Earnings Per Share

 Earnings per share are based upon the weighted average number
of shares outstanding of 2,912,469 in 1997;  2,627,564 in 1996;
and 2,530,380 in 1995.
 During 1997, amendments to the existing Articles of
Incorporation were approved.  The amendments (i) increased the
authorized capital stock of the Company from 1,200,000 shares of
common stock, par value $10.00 to 6,500,000 shares (6,000,000
shares of common stock, without par value, and 500,000 shares of
Series Preferred Stock, without par value); (ii) eliminated the
concept of par value of the capital stock; and (iii) deleted
certain provisions relating to dividends and shares in
distribution and common stock in order to allow for possible
future issuance of Series Preferred Stock.
 Also, during 1997, the Board of Directors declared a four-for-
one stock split for shareholders of record on June 2, 1997, in
conjunction with the increase in authorized shares.  The stock
was distributed on June 10, 1997.  Shareholders of record
received three additional shares of common stock for each share
owned.  The transaction had no effect on total shareholders'
equity, but caused a restatement of all per share amounts
included in this annual report for periods prior to the split. 
The Board of Directors also approved an increase in the number of
authorized shares for both the Employee Stock Purchase Plan and
the Dividend Reinvestment Program by a factor of four to reflect
the stock split.
 Under the employee stock purchase plan, all full-time
employees who have been employed at least six consecutive months
may purchase shares of the Company's common stock through payroll
deductions limited to 10% of gross compensation.  The purchase
price is 95% of the fair market value (as defined).  Ninety
thousand shares of common stock have been authorized to be
offered under the plan, of which 39,929 shares have been issued
as of December 31, 1997.  During 1997, the Company's Board of
Directors approved an increase in the number of authorized shares
of common stock under the plan.
 Under the optional dividend reinvestment plan, holders of the
Company's stock may purchase additional shares.  The purchase
price is 95% of the fair market value (as defined).  Four hundred
eighty thousand shares of common stock have been authorized to be
offered under the plan, of which 341,477 shares have been issued
as of December 31, 1997.
 On August 8, 1996, the Company offered to holders of its
common stock non-transferable subscription rights to purchase
common stock.  On September 16, 1996, subscription rights to
purchase 319,924 shares (restated to reflect the June 1997 four-
for-one stock split) were exercised.

6.  Employee Benefit Plans
 The Company maintains two defined benefit pension plans
covering substantially all of its employees.  The benefits are
based upon years of service times the sum of $16.50 plus 1.5% of
final average monthly earnings in excess of $400.  The Company's
funding policy is to contribute annually the maximum amount
permitted by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.
 The following table sets forth the plans' funded status and
amounts recognized in the Company's balance sheets as of December
31, 1997 and 1996.  The measurement of assets and obligations of
the plans is as of December 31, 1997 and 1996.

                                                 1997          1996
Actuarial present value
 of benefit obligations:
  Accumulated benefit
   obligation, including
   vested benefits of
   $7,014,770 in 1997 and
   $6,211,500 in 1996........              $(7,373,837)          $(6,521,300)
Projected benefit
 obligation for service
 rendered to date                          $ 8,916,175           $(7,805,600)
Plan assets at fair value,
 primarily common trust
 stock and bond funds.......                12,512,833            11,163,660

Plan assets in excess of
 projected benefit
 obligation........................          3,596,658             3,358,060
Unrecognized prior service
 cost..............................            274,002               182,671
Unrecognized net gain..............         (1,277,933)             (794,117)
Unrecognized net transition
 asset as of December 31, 1997
 and 1996 being recognized
 over 15 years.....................           (860,333)           (1,066,328)
Prepaid pension cost as of
 of December 31, 1997 and
 1996..............................         $1,732,394           $ 1,680,286


Net periodic pension income for 1997, 1996 and 1995 included the
following components:

                                    1997         1996        1995

Service cost-benefits
 earned during the
 period                           $ 256,840         $ 247,100      $ 215,700
Interest cost on
 projected benefit
 obligation                         551,189           500,970        469,119
Actual return on plan
 assets                          (1,680,397)       (1,139,905)    (1,459,203)
Net amortization and
 deferral                           732,800           241,787        647,092
One-time charge for
 early retirement window             87,460                 -              -
Net periodic pension
 income                           $ (52,108)        $(150,048)     $(127,292)

     Included in net periodic pension income for 1997 is a one-time
charge for an early retirement incentive of $87,460.
     The weighted average discount rate used in determining the
actuarial present value of the projected benefit obligation was
6.50% in 1997 and 6.75% in 1996.  The rate of increase in future
compensation levels was 4%.  The expected long-term rate of
return on assets was 7%.

 The Company has a savings plan pursuant to the provisions of
section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code.  The plan provides
for elective employee contributions of up to 15% of compensation
and Company matching contributions of 50% of the participant's
contribution, up to a maximum annual Company contribution of $500
for the union represented employees and $1,000 for the general
and administrative employees.  Contributions to the plan amounted
to $52,526 in 1997 and $28,210 in 1996.

7.  Notes Receivable

 The Company has entered into agreements with municipalities to
extend water service into newly-formed water districts.  The
Company loaned funds to the municipalities to cover the costs
related to the projects.  The municipalities concurrently
advanced these funds to the Company in the form of customers'
advances for construction.  The municipalities are required to
charge application fees and water revenue surcharges (fees) to
customers connected to the system which are remitted to the
Company.  The principal and the related customer advance are
reduced periodically as operating revenues are earned by the
Company from customers connected to the system and refunds of
advances are made.  There is no due date for the notes nor
expiration date for the advances.

 The Company has recorded interest income of $98,382 in 1997,
$152,979 in 1996 and $61,322 in 1995 on these notes.  

 Included in the accompanying balance sheets at December 31,
1997 and 1996 were the following amounts related to these
projects.

                                                  1997          1996

Notes receivable, including
 interest                                   $  714,025       $  785,696
Customers' advances for
 construction                                2,433,568        2,465,620

8.  Capital Commitments 

 The estimated funds needed for the Company's construction
program for 1998 are $5,940,000.  The Company plans to finance
such expenditures with internally generated funds, customers'
advances, short-term borrowings and proceeds from the issuance of
common stock under its dividend reinvestment plan (stock issued
in lieu of cash dividends) and employee stock purchase plan.

9.  Commitments and Contingent Liabilities 

 The Company is involved in certain legal and administrative
proceedings before various courts and governmental agencies
concerning rates and other matters.  The Company expects that the
ultimate disposition of these proceedings will not have a
material effect on the Company's financial position or results of
operations.

10. Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 The estimated fair value of financial instruments has been
determined based on available market information and appropriate
valuation methodologies.  However, considerable judgment is
necessarily required in interpreting market data to develop the
estimates of fair value.  Accordingly, the estimates presented
herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that the
Company might realize in a current market exchange.  The use of
different market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies may
have a material effect on the estimated fair value.

 The carrying amount of current assets and liabilities that are
considered financial instruments approximates their fair value as
of the dates presented.  The Company's long-term debt, with a
carrying value of $32,000,000 at December 31, 1997, had an
estimated fair value of approximately $37,800,000.

 The Company's customers' advances for construction and notes
receivable have carrying values at December 31, 1997 of
$16,217,638 and $913,934, respectively.  The relative fair values
of these amounts cannot be accurately estimated since future
payment streams are dependent upon several factors, including new
customer connections, customer consumption levels and future rate
increases.

Independent Auditors' Report

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of The York Water
Company:

 We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of The York
Water Company as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the related
statements of income, shareholders' investment, and cash flows
for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31,
1997.  These financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company's management.  Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
  We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted
auditing standards.  Those standards require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether
the financial statements are free of material misstatement.  An
audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  An
audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating
the overall financial statement presentation.  We believe that
our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
  In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position
of The York Water Company as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and
the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the
years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1997, in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

                                                KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP
Harrisburg, PA
February 17, 1998


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