Groundwater Guardian Community Profile
Kutztown, Borough of, PA - US
Years Designated: 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1995
Community Profile:
Kutztown's watershed is underlain primarily by limestone and dolomite where groundwater flow is influenced by structural fractures. The fractured rock aquifers are highly vulnerable to contamination and recent testing has indicated that Kutztown's wells are under the influence of surface water. A water treatment plant was completed in December 2003 to address this influence. Although there are no signs of water quality problems, there is potential for problems to occur and additional chlorination of the city's water supply is being required. Kutztown uses Groundwater Guardian to continually educate the public and increase groundwater awareness.
Result Oriented Activities:
- Continued promotion, education, and distribution of a "How To" workbook for small water systems to use in protecting drinking water through wellhead protection. Over 900 copies have been distributed since 1995.
- Continued working with the Kutztown Municipal Authority on water and sewer services to areas outside the municipality served by failing on-site wastewater treatment systems and water supply facilities. Engineering and legal work is ongoing for an additional new regional sewer/wastewater treatment plant to serve more areas located outside the municipality, Kutztown University expansion, and a new industrial development park.
- Worked to update the region's wellhead protection ordinance, which will benefit three area communities.
Community Contact:
Gabriel Khalife
Kutztown Area Wellhead Protection Committee
45 Railroad Street
Kutztown, PA 19530-1112 US
Phone:610-683-6131
Fax:610-683-6729
E-mail:
gkhalife@kutztownboro.org
Website:
www.kutztownboro.org
