Groundwater Guardian Community Profile

Adams Township/Mars Area School District, PA  -  US

Years Designated: 2006, 2005, 2004, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997

Community Profile:

While predominantly a rural community, home to over 3,000 residents, the Mars area features many small industries, which are located within the recharge area. It is anticipated that development in both the residential and industrial sectors of the community will continue. There is a history of hazardous waste discharge into local creeks due to fire and negligence. In addition, many of the area's older homes have outdated septic tanks that are potential sources of contamination in the watershed and recharge area. To add to this concern, there has been no consistent means for educating the community about the potential hazards to their drinking water supplies. Mars uses Groundwater Guardian to share ideas with and learn from other communities in the Groundwater Guardian network.

Result Oriented Activities:

• Continued the Mars Area Water Protection Program. Activities included Groundwater Festivals for over 200 3rd grade students and continuation of water monitoring/stream testing program in which nearly 200 5th grade students participated.

Community Contact:

William Wesley
Mars Area Water Protection Program
520 Route 228
Mars, PA    16046    US

Phone:724-625-1581

Fax:724-625-4477

E-mail: wwesley@marsk12.org