Kittanning Water Was Safe, Despite Customer Notice

by Jonathan Weaver

Even though local water customers received an informational notice last week regarding a treatment breakdown in July, officials stress Kittanning residents were not in any danger.

Last week, Pennsylvania American Water sent a notice to local residents informing them that the Kittanning water system did not meet Department of Environmental Protection-regulated treatment techniques during its July testing seven weeks ago.

External Affairs Specialist Melissa Walters explained.

“DEP sets the standard to how much disinfectant needs to be in the water,” Walters said. “At all times there was disinfectant in the water and the water was safe – it’s just, when it falls anywhere below these standards, it’s protocol that you have to notify customers.

“The water was never contaminated – it was always safe. It was never an emergency situation.”

Local residents might remember a dangerous pH level shut down businesses and fire departments, and ultimately canceled the Light-Up Kittanning festivities in November 2012. To correct the problem of too much caustic soda at that time, water officials added more chlorine to disinfect equipment, ultimately leading to a boil water notification to be lifted three days following the event.

To correct the problem seven weeks ago, officials flushed hydrants and adjusted treatment before the issue entered the distribution system. Pennsylvania American Water was required to notify customers that boiled or bottled water should be used, but the issue was quickly corrected.

“As soon as we realize(d) the levels were low, we ha(d) the systems in place to take care of it immediately,” Walters said.

Monitors continuously check the water system to control bacteria growth.

August testing already determined drinking water is up to DEP standards.

Walters was not aware of any other communities that were also below normal treatment requirements.

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