Horsham Water Authority Issues Statement As Public Wells Shut Down

HORSHAM, PA -- The Horsham Water and Sewer Authority issued a statement on the water contamination situation in the area on Monday as residents received bottled water from the state amidst concerns that the drinking water is not safe.

The HWSA, with the support of Horsham Township, shut down three public water supply wells on Friday after the latest findings from the United States Environmental Protection Agency:

On May 19, 2016 the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a Health Advisory level of 70 parts per trillion (ppt), or 0.07 parts per billion (ppb), as the combined concentration of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in drinking water.

Two of the three wells were shut down to comply with the health advisory. The other well, which tested below the most recent advisory, was shut down out of an abundance of caution on the part of HWSA and the Township.

Since the discovery of these emerging contaminants in the local groundwater resources, HWSA and Horsham Township have maintained ongoing communication with EPA, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, the United States Navy and the Pennsylvania National Guard Bureau. HWSA and the Township responded immediately to changes in guidelines and standards issued by the EPA. Last month, HWSA became the first public water supplier to voluntarily adopt a reference level for PFOA that is lower than the then-current EPA provisional health advisory level. HWSA and Horsham Township will continue to be vigilant in its unified response to this matter.

In addition to the three public wells that HWSA has shut down, the Navy / EPA has identified 35 – 40 additional private wells in Horsham that are at or above the newly released health advisory of 70 ppt and arrangements have been made to provide bottled water to these private well owners. The health and safety of the residents and businesses of Horsham Township continues to be the highest priority of HWSA and the Horsham Township Council.

The chemicals and their potential hazards to the public have been the subject of controversy in the township for years.

“We are taking precautionary action to ensure all residents in the area are receiving water until we receive further guidance from the EPA on this matter,” Governor Wolf said.

Recently, Rep. Todd Stephens joined with several local area lawmakers in petitioning the Navy to examine more closely the possible health effects of the contamination.

“I appreciate the governor and DEP working with us to provide safe drinking water to local residents,” Stephens said. “The state must continue to protect its residents.”