COUDERSPORT — A number of efforts are underway in Potter County to ensure public water, private wells, groundwater and streams remain clean and unpolluted.
Several county groups including the Triple Divide Watershed Coalition, the Potter County Conservation District (PCCD), the Potter County Water Quality Work Group and United States Geological Survey (USGS) are working with private landowners, municipal and county officials and others to monitor water and implement measures to protect watersheds throughout the county.
Preliminary results of a ground water analysis study were shared with members of the Water Quality Work Group recently. The comprehensive study was the result of a partnership between the county and USGS, aimed at providing data on the quality and makeup of the county’s groundwater.
Forty-seven wells located in strategic positions across the county were sampled as part of the study, paid for mostly through a state grant. Results of the tests are being compiled with measures put in place to protect the identity of individual well owners.
Of those 47 samples, 24 tested positive for coliform bacteria, and 10 were reported to contain e. coli bacteria. Two wells also contained arsenic, which can be naturally occurring, but like many other contaminants, can result from human activity. The water is also tested for different types of metals, dissolved gasses and nutrients. Well owners will receive a report including their individual results and measures to address any problems detected.
Monitors to test and report on the quality of public water sources across the county have been, or are in the process of being, installed. The monitors will document flow, temperature and conductivity, creating a database and acting as an early-warning system for potential contamination or other issues with public drinking water systems.
Funds for the monitors came from the JKLM settlement paid out following a 2015 gas well incident that allowed chemicals to enter groundwater near residential wells. The Department of Environmental Protection funds are covering monitoring systems for all public water systems in Potter County: the Austin Borough, Genesee Township, Ulysses Borough, Charles Cole Memorial Hospital, Coudersport Borough, Roulette Township, Galeton Borough, the Northern Tier Children’s Home and Shinglehouse Borough.
PCCD is also assisting farmers developing plans to reduce runoff into streams that eventually make it into larger bodies of water, including the Chesapeake Bay.
