The Bradford City Water Authority is learning of a problem with theft within its system.

At Wednesday’s meeting, the board received an update from Johnson Controls, the company handling the authority’s meter replacement project.

“They stressed the most unsettling thing they find during meter changeout projects is the volume of ‘theft of water service’ they discover during these meter changes,” said Executive Director Steve Disney. “Uncontrolled bypasses, unauthorized taps and various other means to alter, restrict or outright steal water service is alarming.”

He continued, “Both Water and Sanitary Authority customers are reminded that the theft of water service is a crime and those found guilty will be prosecuted.”

Disney reminded that sanitary rates are based on water consumption, and these thefts are against both authorities, both of which have penalties including fines.

“The authorities are requesting if anyone is aware of a suspected violation to please call the authority office directly at (814) 362-3004 or local law enforcement at 911,” Disney said.

Also at the meeting, the members heard a report on timber from Ken Kane, president of Generations Forestry. The authority learned that harvesting has been limited due to weather and poor ground conditions.

“To date the blowdown ash salvage on Gilbert, Compartment #1 has harvested 20,843 board feet and West Branch, Compartment #6 has harvested 217,731 board feet,” Kane’s report stated. “Firth Maple has suspended harvesting until ground conditions improve. Generations Forestry has road raked the Gilbert Reservoir access road. They have also met with two landowners adjacent to Water Authority property that are concerned with trees leaning over their property. Workable solutions are being planned.”

Disney gave an update about plans for water treatment plant improvements. He explained a capital improvement proposal, along with cost estimates, is being prepared by Bankson Engineers. An architectural engineer visited the treatment plant and will provide preliminary plans and drawings for review.

In an update on the lead abatement project, Disney said final milling and paving restoration on South Avenue, and curb-to-curb milling and paving of East Main Street between East and Welch avenues has been planned for June.

Disney said the 2023 drinking water quality report has been completed and is posted on the authority’s website. Consumers can directly access the report on the internet at http://www.bradfordwater.com/ccr.html

Individual copies will not be mailed, but printed copies can be obtained at the authority office at 28 Kennedy St. All drinking quality parameters and benchmarks were achieved. Of significance in 2023, the authority was able to complete its 2-year lead abatement project eliminating all its known lead service lines.

The authority audit was completed, and showed the authority’s financial statements are in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for governments.