Authority eyes plan to protect water supplies

By PATRICK BUCHNOWSKi
The Tribune-Democrat

BOSWELL February 18, 2008 10:58 pm

— The Boswell Water Authority is looking to protect its water sources from future contaminants.
Armed with a $10,000 state Growing Greener grant, the authority is drawing up a plan to guard its two wells and reservoir in Jenner Township.
Officials said it’s a preventive measure: No pollution has been reported.
“The intent is to protect the quality of water that everyone is consuming,” said Jeff Haynal, engineer for the EADS Group Inc. in Somerset. “The authority is doing everything it can to protect the water.”
With nearly half of Pennsylvanians relying on groundwater as a drinking source, more communities are protecting water supplies by establishing Wellhead Protection Areas, according to the state Department of Environmental Protection.
Farm chemicals and fertilizers, mine drainage and leaking septic systems are some possible contaminants, DEP said.
A steering committee is working with Casselbery & Associates of State College to map potential trouble spots in the Boswell area.
A final report on a well-head protection plan is due by June 30, 2009, Haynal said.
The Wellhead Protection Area could include zoning, public education, groundwater monitoring and subdivision control, the DEP said on its Web site.
“We’re coming up with a plan to protect the area from problems,” water authority Manager Joseph DeBlase said.