STATEMENT FROM THE BOROUGH MANAGER
From
Littlestown
Sent
Thu, Apr 30 @ 10:12am
Description
To: All Littlestown Water Customers
To clarify the issue referenced in yesterday’s notification regarding a high test result at one of our well sites, please see the following update.
The Borough receives its water supply from twelve wells currently in operation. We are required by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to monitor and test each well on a quarterly basis. All testing is conducted by an independent certified laboratory.
During the most recent round of testing, Well #17 showed nitrate levels exceeding DEP allowable standards. Well #17 is a low-producing well that is used only on rare occasions. At the time of testing, this well was not being utilized to supply water to the system; however, it must still be tested on a regular schedule as it is a permitted water source.
At this time, Well #17 will remain offline until additional test results are received, which we expect shortly. Out of an abundance of caution, even if follow-up test results fall within acceptable limits, I have directed our water and sewer staff to conduct additional testing to ensure the well meets all DEP standards.
We are also working to determine the cause of the elevated nitrate reading, as this is the first occurrence of such an issue at this site. Elevated nitrate levels can result from several factors, including changes in the aquifer or increased use of fertilizers on agricultural land and residential properties. It is also possible that the result was due to an improper or faulty test, which is why immediate retesting is being conducted.
If the elevated reading is confirmed, the well will remain offline until the cause is identified and addressed. If a corrective solution cannot be determined, the Borough will decertify the well and discontinue its use permanently.
Please note that the notification you received was issued by the Department of Environmental Protection, not the Borough of Littlestown, as required when a test result exceeds established standards. As stated in the DEP notice, the primary recommendation is to avoid providing this water to infants under six months of age. We strongly advise residents to follow this guidance. For all other customers, the water remains safe for consumption and for use by pets.
We will provide updates as soon as additional test results are available.
Charles G. Kellar
Borough Manager/Chief of Police
This notification was posted by Littlestown. Littlestown is solely responsible for this notification and unless specifically indicated, no other community or individual utilizing Savvy Citizen is sponsoring, responsible for, or endorsing this notification.
