MEADVILLE — The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has issued a Boil Water Advisory to residents of Daguscahonda Village in Ridgway Township, Elk County.
The results from a recent sample DEP collected from Daguscahonda’s drinking water source show that E. coli (fecal) bacteria is present in the water at a level that is well above Pennsylvania Safe Drinking Water Act standards. The agency strongly recommends that residents not consume untreated Daguscahonda water.
“E. coli bacteria are an indicator that the water may be contaminated with human or animal waste,” DEP Northwest Regional Director Kelly Burch said. “The presence of these bacteria poses an acute health risk to infants, young children, the elderly and individuals with compromised immune systems. Boiled or bottled water should be used by residents until further notice.”
Information DEP obtained indicates that the water supplied to homes in Daguscahonda originates from unprotected springs and is stored in an open-air reservoir prior to consumption. Untreated water that is stored in open-air reservoirs is considered to pose significant health risks because the water is exposed to a wide range of pathogenic organisms that are pervasive in the environment and frequently contaminate water.
As explained to Daguscahonda residents during a public meeting in July, statewide drinking water standards require filtration and disinfection of unprotected drinking water sources, such as the one that serves Daguscahonda. Over the years, the installation of treatment systems and the elimination of numerous unprotected drinking water sources have reduced waterborne diseases in Pennsylvania.
Following the July public meeting, DEP sent a letter to Daguscahonda residents and invited anyone who is interested to reach out to staff about working together to address these concerns and bring the water system into compliance with the Pennsylvania Safe Drinking Water Act and its regulations. The letter sent with the Boil Water Advisory notification extends the same invitation.
For more information, visit www.dep.state.pa.us or call 814-332-6899.
