Published: November 22, 2009 09:59 pm      

Ebensburg water system is good, DEP report says

EBENSBURG — The borough’s water treatment system received positive marks in a recent inspection by the state Department of Environmental Protection.

Borough officials said the DEP found the water plant is effectively removing giardia cysts and cryptosporidium oocysts.

Both microorganisms can cause illness if the treatment system is ineffective.

The state evaluated Ebensburg’s treatment process on its ability to continuously provide the most effective barrier to the passage of microorganisms and the removal of waterborne pathogens, borough officials said.

The DEP report termed the Ebensburg staff “dedicated and conscientious in producing high quality water” and found the treatment plant to be well operated and maintained.

Borough Manager Dan Penatzer gave credit to borough employees.

“Our customers are fortunate to have a dedicated staff of technicians taking care of their water system, and they can be assured of safe and pure water,” he said.

The DEP report did include several recommendations for enhancing the filtration process, including replacement of certain meters and valves.

The borough has applied for state funding under the H20 grant program, but it will be midyear before the results are announced, Penatzer said.

Ebensburg’s water treatment plant receives water from two surface reservoirs, and the borough can draw water from the Saltlick Reservoir in Mineral Point.

It also has interconnections with the water systems of Nanty Glo Borough and Blacklick, Jackson and Croyle townships.

Ebensburg’s water system serves 6,200 customers through 2,100 metered connections, Penatzer said.