Analyzing Discharge Points in Preparation of Potential Contamination

Western Berks Water Authority has an inventory of upstream dischargers that they plan to work with in the event of positive cryptosporidium test results.

Western Berks Water Authority

Berks County, Pennsylvania

Western Berks Water Authority (WBWA), a water supplier that serves over 25,000 people in Berks County, draws from a surface intake in a local creek. WBWA is in the process of relocating their main surface water intake. In order for this intake to be approved for use, certain precautionary tests and planning must occur, including tests for cryptosporidium, a harmful waterborne parasite. As part of their planning, WBWA asked SSM to analyze any PS PSOCs that have the potential to introduce this parasite to the watershed. This knowledge is important to WBWA, as they value taking a proactive approach to contamination of their sources. Should they receive positive results in their testing, they now have the resources to investigate the origin of the parasite and work with the PS PSOC owners to eliminate the contamination.