This report shows our water quality and what it means. If you have any questions about this report or concerning your water utility, please contact Donald Henderson at (814) 720-4757. We want you to be informed about your water supply. If you want to learn more, please attend any of our regularly scheduled meetings. They are held on the second Thursday of the month at 7:00 pm at 16678 McMath Ave, Meadville, PA 16335.
Our water source is groundwater purchased from the Meadville Area Water Authority (MAWA). MAWA has seven wells that are located in an unnamed glacial outwash, sand and gravel aquifer. Each well is approximately 80 feet deep and each well is capable of producing one million gallons of water per day. VTWA is an active partner with MAWA in protecting our source water.
A Source Water Assessment of our source(s) was completed by the PA Department of Environmental Protection (Pa. DEP). The Assessment has found that our source(s) of is/are potentially most susceptible to non-point source pollution related to the nearby shooting range, former manufacturing, hydrocarbon storage sites (gasoline stations) and transportation. Overall, our source(s) has/have little risk of significant contamination. Copies of the complete report are available for review at the Pa. DEP Northwest Regional Office, Records Management Unit at (814) 332-6899, or at MAWA, 18160 Rogers Ferry Road, Meadville, PA 16335.
The tables list all the drinking water contaminants that were detected during the 2017 calendar year. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that the water poses a health risk. The data presented in these tables are from testing preformed in the calendar year 2017 and includes the latest test results from the past five years for contaminants that are not tested annually. The State allows us to monitor for some contaminants less than once per year because the concentrations of these contaminants do not change frequently. Please note that the water testing results provided by MAWA are labeled in the tables.
In 1995, MAWA was granted a waiver for monitoring Synthetic Organic Compounds (SPC’s) for pesticides and herbicides from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP). This waiver was granted because there is little risk of exposure from these contaminants. VTWA has been granted reduced monitoring for lead and copper to every three years after demonstrating compliance.
If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. VTWA is responsible for providing high quality drinking water, but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.
Our goal is to continue improving our water facilities and to enhance customer service for you. We welcome your comments and suggestions. Please visit us on the Vernon Township’s website at www.vernontwp-pa.gov, e-mail us at vtwa@zoominternet.net, call us at (814) 332-0803, or stop in to our office located at the Vernon Township Municipal Building at 16678 McMath Ave, Meadville.