Groundwater Guardian Community Profile
Allegheny County, PA - US
Years Designated: 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997
Community Profile:
Allegheny County's ten groundwater systems are served by a glacial alluvial aquifer of valley fill sand and gravel that runs along the banks and under the Allegheny and Ohio Rivers. The riverbanks have historically been very active industrial and commercial areas. Rail lines and highways are also prevalent in these areas. River dredging for sand and gravel has also become an issue as the public water well capture zones extend under the river bed. These activities pose a constant threat to the well-being of the aquifer. Allegheny County uses the Groundwater Guardian program to encourage all municipal water systems served by groundwater to develop state-approved wellhead protection programs, as well as to lobby the state permitting agency to prohibit sand and dredging in the capture zones of public water wells.
Result Oriented Activities:
- Updated a contaminant inventory list for Shaler Township, Sharsburg, Springdale, Harmer, and Cheswick Water Systems.
- Provided training and volunteer coordination to communities interested in doing storm drain stenciling.
Community Contact:
John P. Jeffries
Allegheny County Health Department
Frank B. Clack Health Ctr. 3901 Penn. Ave. Bldg. 5
Pittsburgh, PA 15224-1318 US
Phone:412-578-8047
Fax:412-578-8053
E-mail:
jjeffries@achd.net
Website:
www.county.allegheny.pa.us/achd
