What is Meadville’s municipal water source?
Meadville's municipal water is sourced "from seven wells that are located in an unnamed glacial outwash, sand and gravel aquifer. Each well is approximately 80 feet deep and each well is capable of producing one million gallons per day.” (1)
How safe is Groundwater?
Groundwater is at less risk of exposure to contaminants than a surface level source of water, like a lake or river. Outside the reach of Meadville's municipal water infrastructure, personal groundwater wells are a popular option due to the volume of groundwater in the area as well as the lack of legal requirements to drill your own source. Several businesses outside Meadville city limits which use personal groundwater wells often fail in both prevention of contaminants and reporting of contaminants. (2)
So what do we need to worry about?
Infrastructure integrity is a big focus. Meadville’s potable water infrastructure from MAWA’s facility to individual users care can be as many as 80 years old, dating back to its original installation and consisting of majority lead and copper. These pipes and valves are weak and highly vulnerable to leaking and decay. An unexpected environmental trigger such as a spill can set off a chain reaction of failures through the infrastructure. (3)
