1309 Bridge Street • New Cumberland, PA 17070 • Phone: 717-774-8870 •  Fax: 717-774-0288
E-mail: paawwa@paawwa.org

Keystone of the drinking water community

PA-AWWA recognizes our Gold Sponsors: 

Public Notification Providers

   

 ENS Logo

Home

The PA-AWWA On-Line Training Zone: $30 per course for AWWA members and $40 per course for non-members Call Don at 717-774-8870

What's New at PA-AWWA

PA-AWWA's 64th Annual Conference at the Lancaster Marriott on May 2-4, 2012

2012 PA-AWWA and WWOAP Training and Op Cert Exam Calendar!!!

The Latest AWWA, Legislative, EPA and PA DEP Regulatory Information

Pennsylvania's Partnership For Safe Water Program...National Leader 

PA-AWWA Security Matters

PA-AWWA Board of Directors

PA-AWWA Staff and Partnership Reps

The WUC and Committees

PA-AWWA Districts

Education

TAP Water Program

The Water News Source Newsletter

Employment Section

Join AWWA and PA-AWWA/Membership Forms

Volunteers

We Thank Our Sponsors!!!

OTHER LINKS

New Drinking Water Regulations

DEP's Partnership for Safe Water

AWWA's Partnership for Safe Water Page

AWWA's Partnership for Safe Water Information Center

EPA's Safe Water Page

EPA's Response
Protocol Toolbox

DEP Water Management Page

Flood Recovery

Contact Us

Pandemic Preparedness

H1N1 in PA

Sustainable Water Infrastructure Task Force

PA ONE CALL SYSTEM

 

Pennsylvania Partnership for Safe Water News...120 Partners and growing!

2012 Partnership for Safe Water Distribution Optimization Program Promotion...Take the next step to excellence!

More information about the Partnership and the promotion


The 2011 Pennsylvania Partnership for Safe Water Program Summit draws 70+ to Hollywood Casino


October 11-12, 2011

Pennsylvania Partnership Summit featured in National Partnership Newsletter (pg. 3)

Click here for the newsletter
_________________
 

New Partnership for Safe Water-Distribution Optimization and Treatment Program website links
 

Distribution Optimization Site

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/distribution_program/20279

 Distribution Optimization Member Location Site Map

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/distribution_program/20279/distribution_member_locations/968856

 Partnership for Safe Water-Treatment Program Site

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/treatment_program/10554 -

 Partnership for Safe Water Program-Phase IV Site

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/treatment_program/10554/phase_iv_contact_hours/969627

___________________

 

9 American Water Plants Receive National Recognition In PA

 
PA American Water this week announced the receipt of 15 Directors Awards of Recognition from the Partnership for Safe Water.  Fourteen plants received awards for maintaining Phase III certification for ten years, and one plant was presented with its first Directors Award for Phase III certification.
            The facilities winning recognition include: Brownsville Water Treatment Plant; Crystal Lake Water Treatment Plant; Kane Water Treatment Plant; Lake Scranton Water Treatment Plant; Norristown Water Treatment Plant; Punxsutawney Water Treatment Plant; Susquehanna Water Treatment Plant; Watres Water Treatment Plant; and White Deer Creek Water Treatment Plant.
            In addition, Pennsylvania American Water’s Stony Garden Water Treatment Plant received its first Phase III Directors Award.
            The Partnership is a voluntary initiative developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other water organizations to recognize water suppliers that consistently achieve water treatment standards that surpass EPA regulatory requirements. The awards were presented today during the 2011 American Water Works Association Annual Conference in Washington, D.C.
            “Our employees are committed to delivering the best water quality possible to our customers, at an exceptional value at about a penny per gallon,” said Jeff Sterba, President and Chief Executive Officer. “We're pleased to achieve this recognition from the Partnership as a testament to our dedication to operational excellence.”
            As a member of the Partnership for Safe Water, American Water demonstrates its commitment to voluntarily providing drinking water of a quality better than is required by federal standards. American Water has had more plants receive Phase III certification than any other water utility in the country. Approximately one-third of all water treatment plants nationwide to receive Phase III certification are American Water plants.
            In 2011, American Water is celebrating its 125th anniversary with a yearlong campaign to promote water efficiency and the importance of protecting water from source to tap.

Compliments of: PA Environment Digest


 
6/20/2011

    


 

Pennsylvania Water Systems Join the New Partnership for Safe Water Distribution Optimization Program

 

HARRISBURG -- The new Partnership for Safe Water (PfSW) Distribution Optimization Program is a voluntary effort to provide safe drinking water to all customers. The program is similar to the existing PfSW water treatment plant program. However, it is specifically focused on preserving distribution system integrity to include water quality preservation, hydraulic reliability and physical security. Surface water, groundwater and consecutive water systems are eligible to enroll. The program consists of four phases including commitment to the program, annual data collection and submittal, a self-assessment phase, and a final phase of Excellence in Distribution System Operation.

These water systems became charter members by joining before the Distribution Charter Membership deadline of March 31, 2011: 

-North Penn Water Authority (Montgomery County) provides drinking water service to approximately 78,000 people; 

-Chester Water Authority (Delaware County) provides drinking water service to approximately 125,000 people;

-Municipal Authority of the Borough of Oakmont (Allegheny County) provides drinking water service to approximately 37,877 people;

-PA American Water Company (multiple counties statewide) provides drinking water service to approximately 2 million people;

-Brodhead Creek Regional Water Authority (Monroe County) provides drinking water service to approximately 22,500 people;

-Philadelphia Water Department (Philadelphia County) provides drinking water service to approximately 1.6 million people;

-Reading Area Water Authority (Berks County) provides water service to approximately 87,000 people; and

-Elizabethtown Area Water Authority (Lancaster County) provides water service to approximately 15,000 people.

The PfSW is a voluntary cooperative effort between DEP, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, American Water Works Association and other drinking water organizations. Its goal is to implement preventative measures that are based on optimizing treatment plant and distribution system performance. By participating in the program, these water systems are working to provide an additional measure of protection to their drinking water consumers.

For more information, contact Kevin Anderson at 717-783-9764 or e-mail keanderson@state.pa.us .  Information is also available on DEP's website, keyword: filtration.
 

PA. Members: NEW MEMBERS!!!
City of Allentown
Brodcreek Regional Authority

Chester Water Authority
Dover Township Water Dept.

Elizabethtown Area Water Authority
City of Lancaster
North Penn Water Authority
Oakmont Water Authority

PA. American Water

Philadelphia Water Department
Reading Area Water Authority
Western Berks Water Authority
 


http://www.awwa.org/files/Partnership/CharterMbrList.pdf

The North Penn Water Authority becomes the first member, from Pennsylvania, to join the new Partnership for Safe Water “Distribution Optimization Program”

Special note: Chester Water Authority is now the 2nd water system to join the Distribution Optimization Program

 

HARRISBURG -- The North Penn Water Authority, located in Montgomery County, is the first Pennsylvania water system to become a member of the new Partnership for Safe Water “Distribution Optimization Program,” a voluntary effort to provide safe drinking water to all customers. Presently, the North Penn Water Authority provides drinking water service to approximately 78,000 people. 

The Distribution System Optimization program is similar to the existing water treatment plant program. However, surface water, groundwater, and consecutive water systems are all eligible to enroll in the new Distribution Optimization Program. The program is specifically focused on preserving distribution system integrity to include water quality preservation, hydraulic reliability, and physical security. The program consists of four phases which include a commitment to the program, annual data collection and submittal, a self assessment phase, and a final phase of Excellence in Distribution System Operation. 

The PfSW is a voluntary cooperative effort between the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Pennsylvania Section of the America Water Works Association, and other drinking water organizations. Its goal is to implement preventative measures that are based on optimizing treatment plant performance and distribution system performance.  By participating in the program, the North Penn Water Authority is working to provide an additional measure of protection to their drinking water consumers.

For more information, contact Kevin Anderson at 717-783-9764 or e-mail keanderson@state.pa.us Information is also available on DEP's website (Keyword: "filtration").

________________
Pennsylvania Partnership for Safe Water Program Map
January 2011


Check here for the latest in Pennsylvania Partnership News

Congratulations to Carlisle Borough Municipal Authority for reaching Phase IV Status...Only 7 other Water Systems in Nation have achieved Phase IV Status

________________
215 attend The National Conference on Water System Optimization in Hershey, PA.

Celebrating the 15th Anniversary of the Partnership for Safe Water Program to be held in Hershey, PA on October 18-20, 2010
________________
We Thanks Our Sponsors
Gold:
Gannett Fleming, Inc.

GHD Inc.

HDR Engineering

Lee Supply Company, Inc.

Penn State Harrisburg's Environmental Training Center & SPWSTAC

Silver:
Aqua Pennsylvania, Inc.

CH2MHILL

Pennsylvania American Water

Whitman, Requardt & Associates, LLP

Bronze:

Black & Veatch

CD Proceedings: Entech Engineering
__________________
August 2010: Congratulations to Pennsylvania American Water's 18 Plants for receiving the Directors Award for 10 Years in the PfSW Program!!!

Pennsylvania American Water has received national awards at 18 of its plants for maintaining the Directors Award of recognition from the Partnership for Safe Water, a national volunteer initiative developed by EPA and other water organizations. These represent water suppliers striving to provide their communities with... drinking water quality that surpasses the required federal standards.

The Directors Award is presented to water systems who have completed a successful review in the Partnership’s Self-Assessment and Peer Review phase, a phase in which utilities examine the capabilities of their treatment plant operation and administration and then create a plan for implementing improvements. Eighteen of our facilities have maintained the Directors Award for ten years, an honor achieved by only 32 water utilities across the country.


Aldrich Plant


Ellwood City Plant


Hays Mine Plant


Indiana Plant


Kittanning Plant

Bangor Plant

Ceasetown Plant

Forest City Fallbrook Brownell Plant

Nesbitt Plant


Montrose Plant

______________________________________
May 2010
Just in: Partnership for Safe Water Program
AWWA ACE 2010 Awardees:

Pennsylvania American Water
Easton Suburban Water Authority
Schuylkill County Municipal Authority
 

Pennsylvania Awardees

Total List of Awardees
________________________________
 


2010 PA-AWWA Annual Conference

Congratulations to Easton Suburban Water Authority for attaining Phase III Status
________________________________

April 2010


Congratulations to Williamstown Borough Authority for joining the Partnership for Safe Water

_______________________________
The North East Borough Water Department Water Treatment Plant joins the Partnership for Safe Water

 The North East Borough Water Plant, located in Erie County, recently became the newest member of the Partnership for Safe Water program, a voluntary effort to provide safe drinking water.  Presently, the water system provides drinking water service to approximately 9,200 people.  The North East Borough Water Plant is currently the only plant in Erie County to be a member of the national program. 

 The Partnership for Safe Water is made up of DEP, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Pennsylvania Section American Water Works Association (PA-AWWA) and other drinking water organizations.  Its goal is to implement preventative measures that are based on optimizing treatment plant performance.

     The program is specifically geared toward identifying weaknesses in plant operation, design and administration that could lead to a breakthrough of waterborne disease-causing organisms into the finished water that is distributed to consumers.  Correcting these weaknesses helps prevent waterborne disease outbreaks from pathogenic organisms like Cryptosporidium and Giardia. 

     By participating in the program, the North East Borough Water Department is working to provide an additional measure of protection to drinking water consumers.

 Currently, 114 surface water treatment plants serving more than six million people are now involved in Pennsylvania's Partnership program.

     For more information, contact Kevin Anderson at 717-783-9764 or e-mail keanderson@state.pa.us .  Information is also available on DEP's Web site,

Keyword: filtration.

 Source:  DEP Daily Update, 4/6/2010
__________________________________

Congratulations to PA American Water-Huntsville WTP for receiving the Directors Award
September 10, 2009

July 2009

Partnership for Safe Water Newsletter
-Congratulations to all Pennsylvania Partnership Awardees!!!
-Distribution System Optimization Status Update
-Save the Date for the National Partnership Conference being held in Hershey, PA on October 18-20, 2010

Click here to see the newsletter


_____________________________

July 15, 2009:

Pennsylvania Water Utilities recognized at
Partnership for Safe Water Awards Luncheon at 2009 AWWA ACE

 

Directors Award

Over 200 water treatment plants have received the Phase III Directors Award.  The following utilities are current Directors Award Plants as of 7/6/09. 

Pennsylvania

Blossburg Water Authority
Bellman Water Treatment Plant
Brodhead Creek Regional Authority
Brodhead Creek Regional Water Treatment Plant
Carlisle Borough Municipal Authority
Carlisle Water Treatment Plant
Chester Water Authority
Octoraro Water Treatment Plant
City of Allentown Water Resources
City of Allentown Water Treatment Plant
City of Harrisburg Bureau of Water
Dr. Robert E. Young Water Services Center
City of Lancaster
Conestoga Water Treatment Plant
Downingtown Municipal Water Authority
Vincent J. DiEuliis Water Treatment Plant
East Greenville Borough Water Department
East Greenville Water Treatment Plant
Easton Suburban Water Authority
Easton Water Treatment Plant
Jersey Shore Area Water Authority
Larry’s Creek Filter Plant
North Penn and North Wales Water Authorities
Forest Park Water Treatment Plant
Oakmont Water Authority
Hulton Treatment Plant
Pennsylvania American Water
Aldrich Water Treatment Plant
Bangor Treatment Plant
Brownell Treatment Plant
Brownsville Treatment Plant
Ceasetown Treatment Plant
Clarion Treatment Plant
Crystal Lake Treatment Plant
Ellwood Water Treatment Plant
Fallbrook Treatment Plant
Forest City Treatment Plant
Gerald C. Smith Treatment Plant
Hays Mine Water Treatment Plant
Huntsville Water Treatment Plant
Kane Water Treatment Plant
Kittanning Water Treatment Plant
Lake Scranton Treatment Plant
Milton Water Treatment Plant
Montrose Treatment Plant
Nesbitt Treatment Plant
New Castle Treatment Plant
Norristown Water Treatment Plant
Oneida Valley Treatment Plant (Butler)
Philipsburg Operations
Punxsutawney Water Treatment Plant
Silver Spring Treatment Plant
Susquehanna Water Purification Plant
Two Lick Creek Treatment Plant (Indiana)
Watres Water Purification Plant
White Deer Creek Water Treatment Plant
Philadelphia Water Department
Baxter Water Treatment Plant
Belmont Water Treatment Plant
Queen Lane Water Treatment Plant
Robinson Township Municipal Authority
Groveton Water Treatment Plant
Schuylkill County Municipal Authority
Mount Laurel Water Treatment Plant
Shenandoah Municipal Authority
Shenandoah Water Treatment Plant
Williamsport Municipal Water Authority
Williamsport Water Filtration Plant

State College Borough Water Authority Water Treatment Plant joins the Partnership for Safe Water

 

HARRISBURG (June 11) -- The State College Borough Water Authority in Centre County recently became the newest member of the Partnership for Safe Water program, a voluntary effort to provide safe drinking water. Presently, the water system provides drinking water service to approximately 47,000 people.  The State College Borough Plant is the second water plant in Centre County to join the national program.

 

The Partnership for Safe Water is made up of DEP, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Pennsylvania Section American Water Works Association (PA-AWWA) and other drinking water organizations.  Its goal is to implement preventative measures that are based on optimizing treatment plant performance.

 

The program is specifically geared toward identifying weaknesses in plant operation, design and administration that could lead to a breakthrough of waterborne disease-causing organisms into the finished water that is distributed to consumers. Correcting these weaknesses helps prevent waterborne disease outbreaks from pathogenic organisms like Cryptosporidium and Giardia.

 

By participating in the program, the State College Borough Water Authority is working to provide an additional measure of protection to drinking water consumers. Currently, 108 surface water treatment plants serving over 5.9 million people are now involved in Pennsylvania's Partnership program.

 

For more information, contact Kevin Anderson at 717-783-9764 or e-mail keanderson@state.pa.us Information is also available on DEP's Web site (Keyword: "filtration").
 




Congratulations to Reading Area Water Authority for joining the Partnership for Safe Water Program


L - R: Reading Area Water Authority 's Executive Director, Dean Miller and
PfSW Representative Bob Donnelly

L - R:  Bridget Reinert, PA DEP Water Supply Specialist, Dean Miller,
Reading's Executive Director, Susan Werner, PA DEP Sanitarian Supervisor,
Gary Phillips, Reading's Chief Operator and Diane Cox, Partnership for Safe
Water Representative
 

Congratulations to Gettysburg Municipal Authority for joining the Partnership for Safe Water Program

L - R : Mark Guise, Gettysburg Mgr., Diane Cox, PfSW Rep., Brian Bohn, Operator, Melvin Crouse, Gettysburg Authority Chairman, Jeff Patterson, Gettysburg Supervisor, Stephanie Stoner, DEP and Michael O'Dell, Operator.

Congratulations to Borough of Chambersburg Water for joining the Partnership for Safe Water Program


L-R :   Michael Smith, DEP, Michele Fries, Lab Chief, Nelson Kauffman, Distribution, Carl Rundquist, Chambersburg Superintendent, Timothy West, Operator and James Kampstra, Chambersburg Plant Supervisor.

_____________________

April 13, 2009: Congratulations to Aqua PA Shenango WTP!!!

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection this week presented Aqua
Pennsylvania Shenango WTP eighth drinking water system with its
participating certificate for the Partnership for Safe Water Program.  The
goal of the partnership is to encourage facilities to go beyond regulatory
compliance in their continuing efforts to ensure the safest public drinking
water possible.

 L - R Jack Walters, Aqua PA Vice President of Production, Bob Liptak, Aqua
Pa Regional President, Brad Vanderhoof, DEP Regional Program Manager, and
Lisa Baughman, DEP Compliance Specialist.
_____________________

January 27, 2009
Congratulations to the Municipal Authority of Westmoreland for Completing Phase III of the Partnership for Safe Water Program

Left to Right: Ken Goyak,  Production Supervisor, Erwin Elma, Water Quality Supervisor, Kay Frederick, DEP, Donald Rusitti, MAWC Board Chairman, and Chris Kerr, MAWC Manager.

Left to Right: Renee Diehl, DEP Sanitarian, Erwin Elma, Water Quality Supervisor, Brian Beskitt, Water Quality Superintendent, Kay Frederick, DEP, Donald Rusitti, MAWC Board Chairman, Jack Ashton, Operations Manager/Production, and Ken Goyak,  Production Supervisor.

Left to Right: Kate O'Neill, PfSW Rep, Donald Rusitti, MAWC Board Chairman, and Chris Kerr, MAWC Manager.

Left to Right: Brian Beskitt, Water Quality Superintendent, Erwin Elma, Water Quality Supervisor, Kate O'Neill, PfSW Rep, Jack Ashton, Operations Manager/Production, and Ken Goyak,  Production Supervisor.

__________________________

November 20, 2008

Congratulations to Aqua Pennsylvania for joining the Partnership for Safe Water Program!!!


Click here for the November 20, 2008 Press Release

 

DEP Daily UPDATE

DEP Recognizes Aqua Pennsylvania for Efforts in Safe Drinking Water Program

 

award recipientsSPRINGFIELD, Delaware Co. (Nov. 20) – The Department of Environmental Protection presented Aqua Pennsylvania with eight awards today for its efforts to provide high quality drinking water as a member of the Partnership for Safe Water, a nationwide program.


“Everyone understands the value of safe drinking water,” said Regional Water Supply Manager Nancy Roncetti. “Today, Aqua Pennsylvania has made a commitment to 888,000 customers in four counties to provide the best possible water it can. I’m pleased to recognize Aqua Pennsylvania for its efforts.”


Roncetti presented Aqua Pennsylvania with membership certificates for eight water filter plants entering Phase I of the Partnership for Safe Water, a national voluntary effort that encourages public water systems to survey their facilities, treatment processes, operations and management practices.


“Aqua Pennsylvania’s commitment of eight facilities to the program secures Pennsylvania’s place as the national leader in the Partnership for Safe Water,” said Roncetti.


The Partnership for Safe Water consists of DEP, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the American Water Works Association and other drinking water organizations. Of the 406 facilities participating in the program nationwide, 104 are located in Pennsylvania.  The goal of the partnership is to encourage facilities to go beyond regulatory compliance in their continuing efforts to ensure the safest public drinking water possible.


The partnership is set up in four phases and is based on optimizing treatment plant performance and preventing disease-causing organisms from entering public drinking water supplies.


The first phase of the partnership is the initial commitment to join. The second phase involves data collection, analysis and submission. The third phase is a self-assessment and development of a detailed report and action plans to correct problems, while the final phase is an on-site peer review.


For more information on drinking water, visit www.depweb.state.pa.us, keyword: Drinking Water.

 

EDITOR’S NOTE:  This is a list of the Aqua Pennsylvania facilities in southeastern Pennsylvania that are being recognized today.

 

Bristol; Bristol Borough, Bucks County
Neshaminy Creek; Middletown Township, Bucks County
Ingram’s Mill; East Bradford Township, Chester County
Pickering East; Schuylkill Township, Chester County
Pickering West; Schuylkill Township, Chester County
Crum Creek; Springfield Township, Delaware County
Ridley Creek; Ridley Township, Delaware County
Upper Merion; Upper Merion Township, Montgomery County

__________________________

November 18, 2008

Congratulations to Easton Suburban Water Authority for achieving Partnership for Safe Water Program Phase III status!

L - R - Dino Agustini, DEP; Roy White, ESWA; Robert Gergren, ESWA Board
Chairman; John Bartol, Miller Environmental. Inc.; Diane Cox, Partnership
for Safe Water Coordinator, and Ed Osterhuber, DEP.

Easton Suburban Water Authority operators who participated in Phase III of
the PfSW program, proudly display their PA DEP 20 Contact Hour certificates.

______________________________

November 4, 2008
PA DEP Daily Update
 

Easton Suburban Water Authority Completes Third Phase of the Partnership for Safe Water

 

HARRISBURG (Nov. 4) -- The Easton Suburban Water Authority in Northhampton County recently completed the third phase of the Partnership for Safe Water program, a voluntary effort to provide safe drinking water.  Presently, the water system provides drinking water service to approximately 85,163 people.  The Easton Suburban Water Authority water filtration plant is one of only a handful of water plants to complete this phase of the partnership in Pennsylvania.

 

The Partnership for Safe Water consists of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Pennsylvania Section American Water Works Association (PA-AWWA) and other drinking water organizations.  Its goal is to implement preventative measures that are based on optimizing treatment plant performance.

 

Phase III entails a detailed, peer-reviewed report that summarizes the rigorous self-assessment portion of the program.  This phase is specifically geared toward identifying weaknesses in plant operation, design and administration that could lead to a breakthrough of waterborne disease-causing organisms into the finished water that is distributed to consumers.  Correcting these weaknesses helps prevent waterborne disease outbreaks from pathogenic organisms like Cryptosporidium and Giardia.  By completing this phase of the program, the Easton Suburban Water Authority is working to provide an additional measure of protection to drinking water consumers.

 

Currently, 104 surface water treatment plants serving over 5.8 million people are now involved in Pennsylvania's partnership program.

 

For more information, contact Kevin Anderson at 717-772-2261 or by e-mail at keanderson@state.pa.us.  Information is also available on DEP's Web site (Keyword: DEP filtration).


__________________________

November 4, 2008
 

Williamsport Municipal Water Authority gets national honor

By R.A. WALKER rwalker@sungazette.com

POSTED: November 4, 2008
Courtesy of Williamsport Sun-Gazette and SunGazette.com

 

 

Faucets in this city deliver top-quality drinking water, according to the American Water Works Association.

The Pennsylvania Section of the American Water Works Association sent one of its top officials to the Williamsport Municipal Water Authority's Mosquito Valley filtration plant Monday to present an award for excellence.

Diane Foster Cox, AWWA Pennsylvania Section project administrator, attended a mid-day luncheon at the plant honoring the facilities operators and supervisors for "successfully" completing the first three phases of its Partnership for Safe Water program and earning the "Crystal Water Drop" award, also known as the "Directors Award of Recognition."

The award signifies that the plant is providing water that surpasses state and federal requirements under the guidance of Larry Bennett, plant superintendent.

According to Bennett, the authority's 52,000 customers receive water that is superior to that found elsewhere on many levels.

"The clouding of the water leaving this plant is way below what the state requires," he said, giving one example.

Bennett has been superintendent of the facility for 12 years.

Others at the ceremony were members of the authority's board and representatives from the state Department of Environmental Protection, among them Joseph F. Sulikowski, sanitation supervisor-district office manager for water supply management.

______________________

 

October 22, 2008

 

Congratulations to Williamsport Municipal Water Authority for achieving Partnership for Safe Water Program Phase III status!!!

Standing from left to right; Larry Bennett (superintendent), Blas Herrera (assistant superintendent), Ken Kaufman (operator), Brady Brown (operator), David Beatty (maintenance mechanic)    Sitting from left to right; Dana Springman (operator), Mark Foose (operator), Matt Moore (operator) This is the entire filter plant staff.

Click here for more information about the Partnership for Safe Water Program

___________________________

June 30, 2008
PA American Water-Clarion Plant

Pictured: L - R: Operators: Mark Stewart, George Kenner, Bob Elliott, PA American Water President, Kathy Pape, PfSW Representative Kate O'Neill, Operators Dave Swanson and Jake Gentile

Congratulations for receiving the Partnership for Safe Water Program's Five-Year Directors Award and for your commitment to superior water quality.
 

June 24, 2008

City of Harrisburg,
Bureau of Water

 Congratulations for receiving the Partnership for Safe Water Program's Five-Year Directors Award and for your commitment to superior water quality.
Click here for more information


February 21, 2008

Municipal Authority of the Township of Robinson to receive the Partnership
for Safe Water prestigious  Phase III crystal Water Drop Award at the 60th
PA-AWWA Annual Conference.


Left to Right:
Gary Hasek (ACHD Inspector), Ed  Ford, Kent Lockridge, MATR Operations
Manager, Deb McDonald (DEP rep), John Lavrich, Joe Pekala and Dale Greenwald receiving the Directors
Award of Recognition provided by PA DEP.
 


PARTNERSHIP FOR SAFE WATER NEWS:
Pennsylvania American Water Receives National Award for Ongoing Safe Water Practices

Five Years of Successful Participation Merits Recognition for Susquehanna Treatment Plant

 (Hershey, Pa.) – September 28, 2006 - Pennsylvania American Water recently received nine national awards—including one for its Susquehanna water treatment plant—for maintaining the Partnership for Safe Water’s Directors Award requirements for five consecutive years. 

The Partnership for Safe Water is a national volunteer initiative developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and other organizations representing water suppliers.

The Directors Award is presented to water systems that have successfully completed a rigorous review in the Partnership’s Self-Assessment and Peer Review phase.  During this phase, participating utilities identify areas of possible improvement in plant design, operation and management and then create a plan for implementing these improvements.

To receive the five-year award, utilities must carry out these improvements and deliver water that not only meets drinking water standards, but surpasses what is required by regulation, for five consecutive years.

Pennsylvania American Water signed the Partnership agreement with the EPA and Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) in February of 1996, thereby declaring the company’s dedication to achieving the program goals.

The Partnership currently includes more than 200 water utilities, collectively serving more than 85 million people nationwide. To date, 33 water treatment plants received the five-year award in Pennsylvania, 28 of which – or 82% – are Pennsylvania American Water facilities. All 35 of Pennsylvania American Water’s water treatment facilities are enrolled and in various phases of the Partnership program.

 “Maintaining Directors Award status for five years demonstrates Pennsylvania American Water’s ongoing commitment to optimizing treatment processes and providing high-quality water to customers,” said Dan Warnock, Pennsylvania American Water president. “Working as a team over the years, our employees have achieved this high mark of distinction. They are the driving force behind our success, and I am thrilled that they have achieved this national recognition. It is well-deserved.”

In addition to the Susquehanna Water Treatment Plant, the following Pennsylvania American Water treatment facilities have achieved the Partnership’s Five-Year Directors Award in 2006: 

  1. Brownsville Water Treatment Plant, Fayette County

  2. Crystal Lake Water Treatment Plant, Luzerne County

  3. Lake Scranton Water Treatment Plant, Lackawanna County

  4. Kane Water Treatment Plant, McKean County

  5. Norristown Water Treatment Plant, Montgomery County

  6. Punxsutawney Water Treatment Plant, Jefferson County

  7. Watres Water Treatment Plant, Luzerne County

  8. White Deer Water Treatment Plant, Union County

 The following Pennsylvania American Water treatment facilities have achieved the five-year status in the Partnership in 2005:

  1. Bangor Water Treatment Plant, Northampton County

  2. Brownell Water Treatment Plant, Lackawanna County

  3. Butler Water Treatment Plant, Butler County

  4. Ceasetown Water Treatment Plant, Luzerne County

  5. Clarion Water Treatment Plant, Clarion County

  6. Fallbrook Water Treatment Plant, Lackawanna County

  7. Forest City Water Treatment Plant, Susquehanna County

  8. Ellwood City Water Treatment Plant, Lawrence County

  9. Hershey G. C. Smith Water Treatment Plant, Dauphin County

  10. Indiana Water Treatment Plant, Indiana County

  11. Kittanning Water Treatment Plant, Armstrong County

  12. Milton Water Treatment Plant, Northumberland County

  13. Montrose Water Treatment Plant, Susquehanna County

  14. Nesbitt Water Treatment Plant, Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties

  15. New Castle Water Treatment Plant, Lawrence County

  16. Philipsburg Water Treatment Plant, Centre County

  17. Pittsburgh Water Treatment Plant (Aldrich), Washington County

  18. Pittsburgh Water Treatment Plant (Hays Mine Plants), Allegheny County

  19. Silver Spring Water Treatment Plant, Cumberland County

 Pennsylvania American Water was presented with the Five-Year Directors Award at AWWA’s annual conference and exposition in San Antonio on June 12, 2006. Recognition ceremonies at local plants receiving the award will be held before year’s end.  More information about the Partnership and the Pennsylvania American Water plants receiving the award in 2006 can be found at www.pawc.com under “In the Spotlight.”

 About Pennsylvania American Water

Pennsylvania American Water is the largest regulated water utility in the state providing quality water and/or wastewater services to over two million people in 372 communities. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Water, the largest and most geographically diverse provider of water services in North America. With a history of over 100 years, American Water provides high-quality water and wastewater services to over 18 million people in 29 states and Canada. Headquartered in Voorhees, NJ, the company employs approximately 7,000 people nationwide and reported $2.2 billion in revenue. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.


Elizabethtown Joins Partnership for Safe Water

HARRISBURG (Dec. 28) -- The Elizabethtown Water Filtration Plant in Lancaster County, recently signed an agreement to become the newest member of the Partnership for Safe Water.   The partnership program is a voluntary effort involving rigorous self-assessment procedures that are specifically geared toward identifying and correcting weaknesses in plant operation, design and administration. Correcting these weaknesses helps prevent waterborne disease outbreaks from organisms like Cryptosporidium and Giardia.   

Through the partnership program, the Pennsylvania Section-American Water Works Association (PA-AWWA) has teamed up with DEP to heighten prevention of disease-causing organisms, to increase treatment plant performance and evaluation methods, as well as to develop public recognition for efforts toward optimal water quality. The Partnership program will provide an extra level of protection for consumers of their drinking water.

Elizabethtown oversees the operation of a filtration plant that obtains raw water from Haldeman Lake.  Following treatment at the plant, drinking water is provided to about 12,000 consumers. 

With the recent addition of Elizabethtown, 111 surface water filtration plants are enrolled in the Partnership Program in Pennsylvania.  These plants serve approximately 5.2 million people, which is well over half of the 8.3 million Pennsylvanians who obtain part or all of their drinking water from surface water treatment plants.

For more information, contact Ed Chescattie at 717-772-4018 or by e-mail  at echescatti@state.pa.us .  Information is also available on DEP's website (Keyword "filtration").

             


Read the latest article from AWWA Mainstream about the Partnership for Safe Water Program.  "One Goal: Optimization"


Partnership for Safe Water Benefits

"The Partnership for Safe Water was opened for membership in 1995. Please read this summary to learn about the benefits of the Partnership program. The summary will also help water system management and administrators understand the value of continued participation in the program."


click to read Partnership Brochure

It will provide you with the assurance that you can satisfy future regulations and identify your utility as a leader in drinking water quality. Contact Diane Cox, Administrative Assistant, at PA Section - AWWA by calling (717) 774-8870, fax (717) 774-0288, or e-mail dianecox@paawwa.org


Partnership for Safe Water Phase III Awards

May 4, 2005

Schuylkill County Municipal Authority's David Holley (center) and Patrick Caulfield (right) received the crystal water drop award for completing Phase III of the Partnership for Safe Water program from PA-AWWA's Diane Cox at the 2005 Annual Conference's Partnership Mixer.

DEP's Ed Chescattie (left), PA-AWWA's Diane Cox and PA-AWWA's Executive Director Don Hershey accept Blossburg Municipal Authority's Phase III Award for the Partnership for Safe Water program at the 2005 Annual Conference's Partnership Mixer.


City of Allentown Joins the Partnership for Safe Water

ALLENTOWN (April 14) -- The City of Allentown Water Filtration Plant, located in Lehigh County, recently signed an agreement to become the newest member of the Partnership for Safe Water.   Read More...

See the Latest Partnership Ad! 
click to enlarge image


Partnership Phase III
Self-Assessment

Much More Than a Turbidity Goal
by Ed Chescattie,
PA  DEP Water Treatment Program Specialist

The Partnership for Safe Water, a voluntary optimization program for surface water utilities, is usually recognized for its < 0.1 ntu finished water optimization goal. But the Partnership is about much more than simply meeting a turbidity goal. Unless you've successfully worked through Phase III of this program, you're not likely to realize the numerous benefits the Partnership's self-assessment process has to offer.  Read article.


Check out the Latest Partnership Activities...



Special Thanks to Philadelphia Water Department for the photographs

Congratulations to the Philadelphia Water Department!!!

Officials from DEP and PA-AWWA were on hand to present the Partnership for Safe Water's Five-Year Directors Award to Philadelphia Water Department's Queen Lane, Belmont and Baxter Water Treatment Plant employees on September 20. Philadelphia Water Department's plants earned the awards for their role in providing additional safety measurements in water treatment for five consecutive years.

.


More Partnership Activities:


 
click images to enlarge
Pictured above: L-R - Bob Smith (PfSW Rep) PA-AWWA Executive Director Don Hershey, Mayor of Lancaster Charlie Smithgall, PA-AWWA’s Diane Cox, and Lancaster Project Engineer Douglas Beck.


Congratulations to the City of Lancaster – Bureau of Water on receiving the Five-Year Directors Award of recognition as part of the Partnership for Safe Water program.  Read the rest of the story...


What is the Partnership for Safe Water? The Partnership for Safe Water is a voluntary initiative for enhancing water treatment to provide higher quality drinking water. The Partnership program is a four-phased, self-assessment and peer-review process to help water suppliers examine their water operations, maintenance, and management practices to determine where improvements can be made.

How does the water consumer benefit from the Partnership? Water quality will be improved. Through this Partnership, water experts will provide utilities with guidance, advice, and technical assistance for fine-tuning water treatment. Partnership members are committed to taking preventive treatment actions to insure drinking water is always safe, no matter what environmental influences may impact raw water quality.

Why is this program important? As water providers identify and battle microbial contaminants such as "Cryptosporidium," achieving optimum water treatment has become more important. Partnership members are taking aggressive steps to perfect their everyday water operations and maintenance to combat water contaminants. Their overall goal is to improve drinking water quality and treatment.

The Partnership also strengthens the relationship of the government, utilities, and water organizations so they can continue to work together to insure the quality of public drinking water.

What are the Partners required to do? In addition to committing to ongoing water treatment enhancement, Partnership members must meet current USEPA water quality standards, be in compliance with the Surface Water Treatment Rule for the past six months, have a third party assess their water operations, implement system improvements identified by the assessment, and communicate their efforts to their customers.

The following four phases were developed to help the Partnership members meet the requirements.

Phase I - the agreement to participate in the Partnership for Safe Water. The agreement requires the water supplier to have met the USEPA's Surface Water Treatment Rule, pledge to complete at least Phases II and III of the Partnership program, and notify their consumers of their progress.

Phase II - the data collection process. Partners will collect basic plant and plant performance data, assess current operations and evaluate areas where performance can be enhanced. Partners have 180 days to complete Phase II.

Phase III - a comprehensive water treatment self-assessment. Partners will examine the data collected in Phase II and identify and correct any performance-limiting factors. Partners will report their progress to the "Program Effectiveness Assessment Committee," a group of independent national experts.

…..a third-party assessment using the USEPA Composite Correction Program (CCP). CCP emphasizes using corrective measures for optimizing filtration plant performance that do not require major construction or major expense. Phase IV involves having the water supplier's corrective measures reviewed by trained third-party assessors.

Who are the Partnership Members? Nearly 300 water utilities across the nation have joined the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, American Water Works Association, Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies, National Association of Water Companies, Association Of State Drinking Water Administrators, and the American Water Works Association Research Foundation in the Partnership for Safe Water. Experts on water quality and treatment from throughout the industry have contributed their time and knowledge to help develop the comprehensive administrative, operational, and technical requirements of the Partnership's Four-Phased program.


ATTENTION OPERATORS!!!...GET 20 CONTACT HOURS!!!

Partnership for Safe Water Information Phase III Contact Hours

If you are currently working on the Phase III self-assessment, you may be eligible for 20 contact hours upon receiving a Phase III award. Please read through the frequently asked questions for additional information - Click Here

The Partnership for Safe Water course has been approved under the Pennsylvania water and wastewater operator training program for 20 contract hours.