Partnership for Safe Water Representatives:
Nancy Dinger: Partnership for Safe Water Coordinator
Phone: 717-774-8870
Kate O’Neill
Barry Herr
Paul Zielinski
Mike McFadden
Pennsylvania American Water Systems Recognized for Excellent Tap Water Quality
Company has received more awards than any water utility in the nation – demonstrating outstanding commitment to delivering high quality drinking water
MECHANICSBURG, Pa. (Sept. 27, 2021) – Customers of Pennsylvania American Water can rest assured of the quality of their tap water, as 17 of the company’s water treatment plants were recently recognized by the Partnership for Safe Water at the Directors and Presidents levels for achieving water quality excellence. The national awards, which honor efforts to continuously optimize water treatment plant and distribution system operation and performance, were announced by the American Water Works Association.
“Maintaining these levels of quality demonstrates Pennsylvania American Water’s continued commitment to optimizing treatment processes and providing high-quality water to customers,” said Pennsylvania American Water President Mike Doran. “Through the past year – pandemic and all – the dedicated teams who support these systems have continued their work every day to deliver tap water that is safe, clean, reliable, and meets or surpasses state and federal drinking water standards. I am so proud of our team for receiving more Partnership for Safe Water awards than any other water utility in the nation.”
The Pennsylvania American Water treatment plants recognized this year are listed below. A full list of the company’s award-winning water systems can be found here.
20 Year Directors Award
- Brownsville Water Treatment Plant (Fayette County)
- Crystal Lake Water Treatment Plant (Luzerne County)
- Kane Water Treatment Plant (McKean County)
- Lake Scranton Water Treatment Plant (Lackawanna County)
- Norristown Water Treatment Plant (Montgomery County)
- Punxsutawney Water Treatment Plant (Jefferson County)
- Susquehanna Water Treatment Plant (Susquehanna County)
- Watres Water Treatment Plant (Luzerne County)
- White Deer Water Treatment Plant (Union County)
10 Year Directors Award
- Stony Garden Water Treatment Plant (Northampton County)
5 Year Presidents Award
- Bangor Water Treatment Plant (Northampton County)
- Brownell Water Treatment Plant (Lackawanna County)
- Crystal Lake Water Treatment Plant (Luzerne County)
- Hershey/GC Smith Water Treatment Plant (Dauphin County)
- Indiana Water Treatment Plant (Indiana County)
- Nesbitt Water Treatment Plant (Luzerne County)
5 Year Directors Award
- Rock Run Water Treatment Plant (Chester County)
“We’re proud of our incredible team of expert scientists, treatment plant operators and engineers that support our water systems,” Doran continued. “This impressive award demonstrates their dedication and commitment to protecting the health and safety of our customers for the past 20 years and beyond.”
Nationally, just over 400 surface water treatment plants are part of the Partnership for Safe Water, a voluntary effort that is designed to increase protection against microbial contamination through treatment optimization.
Pennsylvania American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 2.4 million people. With a history dating back to 1886, American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 15 million people in 46 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to help make sure we keep their lives flowing. For more information, visit amwater.com and follow American Water on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
Pennsylvania American Water Systems Recognized for 20 Consecutive Years of Excellent Tap Water
Company has received more awards than any water utility in the nation – demonstrating outstanding commitment to delivering high quality drinking water
MECHANICSBURG, Pa. (Nov. 19, 2020) – Customers of Pennsylvania American Water can rest assured of the quality of their tap water, as 18 of the company’s water treatment plants were recently recognized with 20-Year Directors Awards from the Partnership for Safe Water for 20 consecutive years of water quality excellence. The national awards, which honor efforts to continuously optimize water treatment plant and distribution system operation and performance, were announced by the American Water Works Association.
“Safe, clean, and reliable tap water is critical to our customers and communities, which is why Pennsylvania American Water holds ourselves to high standards and is a proud and longstanding member of the Partnership for Safe Water,” said Pennsylvania American Water President Mike Doran. “We remind our customers that the next time they turn on their tap, please remember there’s a team in your community dedicated to delivering tap water that is safe, clean, reliable, and that meets or exceeds state and federal drinking water standards.”
This year, 18 Pennsylvania American Water treatment plants from around the Commonwealth received this prestigious award. A full list of the company’s awards can be viewed here.
“We’re proud of our incredible team of expert scientists, treatment plant operators and engineers that support our water systems,” Doran continued. “This impressive award demonstrates their dedication and commitment to protecting the health and safety of our customers over the past 20 years and beyond.”
The following Pennsylvania American Water treatment plants were recognized this year for maintaining the Phase III Directors Award status for 20 years:
- Aldrich Water Treatment Plant (Washington County)
- Bangor Water Treatment Plant (Northampton County)
- Brownell Water Treatment Plant (Lackawanna County)
- Butler/Oneida Valley WTP (Butler County)
- Ceasetown Water Treatment Plant (Luzerne County)
- Ellwood Water Treatment Plant (Lawrence County)
- Fallbrook Water Treatment Plant (Lackawanna County)
- Forest City Water Treatment Plant (Lackawanna County)
- Hays Mine Water Treatment Plant (Allegheny County)
- Hershey/Gerald C. Smith WTP (Dauphin County)
- Indiana (Two Lick Creek) WTP (Indiana County)
- Kittanning Water Treatment Plant (Armstrong County)
- Milton Filter Plant (Northumberland County)
- Montrose Water Treatment Plant (Susquehanna County)
- Nesbitt Water Purification Plant (Lackawanna County)
- New Castle Water Treatment Plant (Lawrence County)
- Philipsburg Water Treatment Plant (Centre County)
- Silver Spring Water Treatment Plant (Cumberland County)
Nationally, just over 400 surface water treatment plants are part of the Partnership for Safe Water Program, a voluntary effort that is designed to increase protection against microbial contamination through treatment optimization.
Pennsylvania American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 2.4 million people. With a history dating back to 1886, American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 6,800 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to 15 million people in 46 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to make sure we keep their lives flowing. For more information, visit amwater.com and follow American Water on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
Laura Martin
Director, Communications & External Affairs, Mid-Atlantic Division
1600 Pennsylvania Ave
Charleston, WV 25302
P: 304-340-2089
F: 304-340-2076
C: 304-932-7158
E: [email protected]
Partner with us to Optimize Operations:
The Partnership for Safe Water Program
Attention: Non-Partnership Members…Surface and Groundwater Treatment Plants and Distribution System Operations
Enclosed please find our latest Partners in PA newsletter which recognizes the latest accomplishments of our current members. As you can see we have a lot of members who are dedicated to making their utilities the best that they can be. We would like to have you join and become a part of our great Partnership for Safe Water program.
The Partnership for Safe Water is a voluntary utility program with a mission of improving the quality of drinking water delivered to customers by optimizing surface and groundwater treatment plants and distribution system operations. The Partnership’s comprehensive self-assessment and optimization programs provide utilities with the tools they need to improve performance beyond even proposed regulatory levels.
The Treatment Plant Optimization Program is open to surface water filtration plants of all sizes and process configurations and is focused on reducing treated water turbidity to protect public health. The Distribution System Optimization Program is open to any water utility that applies a distribution system disinfectant and is focused on evaluating and optimizing distribution system performance based on a variety of parameters, including disinfectant residual. The Groundwater program is open to well water systems that remove a contaminant as part of their treatment process (arsenic, TDS, iron, manganese, etc). Low annual subscriber fees are based on population served and cost utility customers less than a penny per year, while providing a measureable improvement in drinking water quality.
Partnership utilities receive recognition as they progress through the program’s phases and reach optimization milestones, demonstrating their commitment to improving water quality and protecting public health. Benefits of joining the program(s) include enhanced water quality to customers, reducing the risk of passage of microbial contaminants, improving teamwork at all levels, development of a proactive approach to future compliance with proposed regulations, and enhancing customer confidence through awards and recognition programs.
Join the more than 220 Partnership utilities that participate in and benefit from the Partnership for Safe Water’s utility optimization programs. To learn more, visit www.awwa.org/partnership or contact one of our PfSW representatives directly: John Bartol (610-751-3013), Kate O’Neill (412-327-5460), Barry Herr – (724-622-0461) Tom Detweiler (570-977-1648), Paul Zielinski (717-645-2636), or PfSW the administrator for the PfSW Reps –Nancy Dinger (717-774-8870)
PA Partnership for Safe Water Program
SUMMER 2019 NEWSLETTER
Partnership for Safe Water Program at ACE19 in Denver
PfSW Award Winners
Pennsylvania American Water
From PA American Water’s Facebook page:
Congratulations to our dedicated team at Shady Lane Water Treatment Plant for earning 5-Year Directors Award from Partnership for Safe Water, an industry honor for excellence in water quality. The plant serves approx. 17,000 customers in Montgomery County, PA & ChesterCounty-PA.com, including Royersford Borough, Spring City Borough, East Pikeland Township, Upper Providence Township, Montgomery County, E. Vincent Twp, E. Coventry Twp and Limerick Twp.
LOCAL WATER TREATMENT PLANT RECOGNIZED FOR EXCELLENCE IN WATER QUALITY
From: PA American Water website: https://amwater.com/paaw/
SPRING CITY, Pa. (August 27, 2018) – The professional staff at Pennsylvania American Water’s Shady Lane Water Treatment Plant, which serves approximately 17,000 customers in Chester and Montgomery counties, today accepted the Phase III Directors Award from the Partnership for Safe Water.The program was established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, American Water Works Association and other organizations to recognize water suppliers that continuously provide water quality that surpasses regulatory standards.
Pennsylvania American Water’s facility earned the Five-Year Directors Award for achieving optimal treatment performance standards for five consecutive years. Nationally, more than 400 surface water treatment plants are involved in the Partnership for Safe Water, a voluntary effort that is designed to increase protection against microbial contamination through treatment optimization.
Company officials hosted a recognition ceremony at the Shady Lane facility today to honor the plant’s production and water quality staff for achieving the milestone. The plant is located along the Schuylkill River near Spring City.
On August 8, the company held a similar event to recognize its Clarion Water Treatment Plant team for earning the 10-Year Directors Award from the Partnership for Safe Water. The Clarion facility serves approximately 4,000 customers in Clarion County.
“Our local teams have worked very hard to earn the Directors Awards, and this recognition is a testament to their expertise and dedication to better serve our customers,” said Christopher Abruzzo, director of water quality and environmental compliance for Pennsylvania American Water. “These awards indicate the higher standards met by our water plants and demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement in the performance of our treatment facilities to help protect the public’s health.”
Abruzzo noted that American Water accounts for about 20 percent of the participating plants across the country and has received more Partnership for Safe Waterawards than any other utility nationwide. Participating utilities are committed to the Partnership’s goals of providing safe, high-quality drinking water through achieving operational excellence in water treatment. Partnership members participate in a rigorous four-phase self-assessment and peer review process, developed by industry experts and are recognized for their commitment to delivering safe water to their communities.
Pennsylvania American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 2.4 million people. With a history dating back to 1886, American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 6,900 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 15 million people in 46 states and Ontario, Canada. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to make sure we keep their lives flowing. For more information, follow American Water on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
From North Wales Water’s Facebook page
We’re excited to announce that our award-winning Forest Park Water Treatment Facility has once again been recognized for excellence! The American Water Works Association’s Partnership for Safe Water Program awarded Forest Park with the “President’s Award” for the 6th straight year and the Water Works Operators’ Association will present Forest Park with the prestigious Area Wide Optimization Program Award for the 10th straight year in September. Visit our website to learn more!
Partnership for Safe Water Program at ACE17 in Philadelphia
Partnership for Safe Water Program Membership Maps
PA Partnership Treatment Membership Map
PA Partnership Distribution Membership Map
Recent Partnership for Safe Water Treatment Presidents Workshop Completed in Allentown, PA
A workshop was conducted on February 23, 2017, in the Allentown, PA area to assist utilities in preparing and submitting applications for consideration of the Presidents award. The Presidents recognition can be awarded to utilities that adopt and maintain additional voluntary individual filtration goals and have successfully completed the Phase III process with achievement of the Directors Award.
A total of 15 attendees from 8 individual utilities were present to learn from PA-AWWA Partnership Program representatives John Bartol, Paul Zielinski and Gordie Miller the process of gathering information for the application, proper data collection, choosing the correct monitoring locations, proper data review and interpretation for optimization, and finalizing the application process. The group was also briefed on the goals and requirements of the Phase IV Excellence program. Gordie Miller, one of the two Phase IV Excellence Awardees in PA, presented his experiences with preparing the final report. A water treatment plant tour was also offered to attendees.
Keys to the success of the workshop were great audience participation and the open sharing of experiences and ideas. Other workshops are being considered for Central and Western PA later this year. The PA-AWWA reps for each area will reach out to utilities prior to the workshop to ensure they are notified. If you are interested in participating in this workshop, please contact one of the PfSW Representatives.
Partnership for Clean Water…Wastewater Treatment Plant Optimization is coming!!!
Dear Partnership for Safe Water Subscriber,
The Partnership for Safe Water is excited to announce the launch of its parallel program for wastewater treatment plant optimization – the Partnership for Clean Water! This new program will officially launch at AWWA’s ACE16 this June.
The Partnership for Clean Water is an optimization and recognition program developed specifically for wastewater utilities. Applying the Partnership’s proven techniques for self-assessment and optimization, the Partnership for Clean Water is designed to help wastewater treatment plants optimize performance and operations, with a focus on operational efficiency and effluent quality, and receive recognition for their efforts.
As a Partnership for Safe Water subscriber utility, your utility is part of a select group that has recognized and realized the benefits of program participation. We are pleased to offer your utility the opportunity to be one of the first participate in the Partnership for Clean Water as a Charter Subscriber. Charter Subscribers will receive priority access to program tools and resources, exclusive access to online training events, and recognition for being one of the first to make the commitment to optimization through the Partnership for Clean Water.
ACE16 Partnership for Clean Water launch events include a professional session (MON02, held on Monday, June 20 from 2:00-5:00pm) and roundtable solutions session (held Wednesday, June 22 from 1:00-2:00pm in the exhibit hall classroom). Partnership staff and volunteers will also be present at the AWWA Pavilion, located in the exhibit hall, throughout the conference.
Learn more about the Partnership for Clean Water program, ACE16 launch events, or subscribe to the program, on the Partnership for Clean Water website. A utility’s first-year subscriber fees are pro-rated.
Please feel free to contact AWWA’s Partnership staff if you have questions or would like any additional information about either program. If you are employed by a drinking water-only utility, please consider forwarding this invitation to your local wastewater treatment utility – and help support their efforts to protect environmental water quality and public health.
Thank you for your support of the Partnership for Safe Water. We appreciate your consideration and support as Partnership programs expand to offer their benefits to a growing number of utilities across North America.
Thank you,
Barb Martin
Barbara Martin
American Water Works Association
______________________________________________________
Distribution System Optimization Program 101
DSOP – Capture Institutional Knowledge- June 6, 2016
Author William Wankoff, of D&B/Guarino Engineers
“How Any Utiity Can Participate in the Partnership’s Distribution System Optimization Program”
Completing the Partnership’s distribution system self-assessment process to achieve the program’s Directors Award is a goal of many Partnership for Safe Water subscriber utilities. In “Distribution System Optimization Program 101,” author William Wankoff, of D&B/Guarino Engineers, provides an overview of the program, as well as several options for structuring a diverse utility team to complete the self-assessment process.
His recommendations are based on personal experience consulting with a large utility to assist them with completing the self-assessment process. From this experience, Wankoff also provides lessons learned for expanding the distribution system self-assessment process beyond those parameters specifically covered in the Partnership’s self-assessment guidance, as well as the benefits gained by the participating utility.
_________________________________________________________
East Greenville Borough Water Department joins the new Partnership for Safe Water (PfSW) “Distribution Optimization Program”
East Greenville Borough Water Department, located in Montgomery County, recently became a member of the PfSW “Distribution Optimization Program”, a voluntary effort to provide safe drinking water to all customers. Presently, The Borough’s Water System provides drinking water service to approximately 3,100 people.
The Distribution System Optimization program is similar to the existing water treatment plant program. However, the distribution program is specifically focused on preserving distribution system integrity to include water quality preservation, hydraulic reliability, and physical security. Surface water, groundwater, and consecutive water systems are all eligible to enroll in the new Distribution Optimization Program. The program consists of 4 phases which include a commitment to the program, annual data collection and submittal, a self assessment phase, and a final phase of Excellence in Distribution System Operation.
The PfSW is a voluntary cooperative effort between the Pennsylvania DEP, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, AWWA and other drinking water organizations. Its goal is to implement preventative measures that are based on optimizing treatment plant performance and distribution system performance. By participating in the program, the East Greenville Borough Water Department is working to provide an additional measure of protection to their drinking water consumers.
6666 West Quincy Avenue | Denver, Colorado | 80235-3098 |
Main Tel: 303.347.6169 | Fax: 303.794.6303
e-mail: [email protected] | Web: awwa.org/partnership
Newsletter April 2016 | Volume 21 | Number 1
WELCOME TO THE SPRING 2016 PARTNERSHIP NEWSLETTER
The 2016 Spring newsletter includes information that you will not want to miss. The items highlighted in this email, along with additional Partnership news and resources, have recently been published on the Partnership’s website.
Be sure to bookmark the Partnership for Safe Water website and visit often to read the latest announcements, articles, case studies, features, and technical tips – or access our archived material.
The items highlighted below represent a short summary of the wealth of information available on our website. We hope you continue to enjoy our new and improved newsletter and website format. As always, your feedback and comments are welcome.
Thank you for your continued support of the Partnership for Safe Water!
LETTER FROM PARTNERSHIP STAFF
“Before anything else, preparation is the key to success.” – Alexander Graham Bell
In light of the situation in Flint, Michigan, Partnership for Safe Water staff have frequently been approached with the question of “How does the Partnership address lead and copper?” The distribution system optimization program directly addresses corrosion control as one of the evaluation parameters included in the self-assessment process. While the focus of thePartnership’s treatment plant optimization program is primarily particulate removal, its principles may be applied to address many water quality challenges.
Most importantly, applying the Partnership for Safe Water philosophies of preparedness, tenacity, avoiding complacency and creating a utility culture of excellence helps to build a resilient utility that is prepared to face the water quality challenges of today – and those of the future.
Read Barb & Tom’s full April letter and learn more about the Partnership for Safe Water’s optimization programs on the Partnership news page. Tom Schippert (L) and Barb Martin (R) congratulate Kevin Linder (C) of Aurora Water (CO) for receiving the Excellence in Water Treatment Award for the Peter D. Binney Water Purification Facility. Aurora Water is the only utility to have achieved three Phase IV Excellence in Water Treatment Awards.
NEWS
2016 ANNUAL DATA SUMMARY REPORT PUBLISHED
The Partnership for Safe Water is pleased to announce the release of the program’s 2016 Annual Data Summary Report. This report provides a performance summary of thePartnership’s treatment plant and distribution system optimization programs and features utility and program highlights from 2015 – the Partnership for Safe Water’s 20th Anniversary year.
The Annual Report continues to communicate the impact of this critical drinking water optimization program, which has furthered its mission of improving drinking water quality to protect public health, for more than two decades.
To read more about the Annual Report’s contents, and to access the report, visit the Partnership news page.
RESOURCES
DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM OPTIMIZATION 101
Completing the Partnership’s comprehensive distribution system self-assessment process to achieve the Directors Award is a goal of many Partnership for Safe Water subscriber utilities. However, it can be a challenge for utilities to know where and how to begin.
This informative article, contributed by William Wankoff, of D&B/Guarino Engineers, addresses the challenge! The article provides an overview of the distribution system optimization program, several options for structuring a diverse utility team to complete the self-assessment process, and a summary of lessons learned and benefits gained by completing the process. Access a wealth ofPartnership resources – including tech-tips, AWWA Opflow articles, and informative videos – on thePartnership resources page.
ACE16 NEWS
PARTNERSHIP ACTIVITIES AT ACE16
AWWA’s 2016 Annual Conference and Exposition (ACE16) is taking place in Chicago, Illinois from June 19-22. The Partnership for Safe Water has a full schedule of events planned for the conference, including a Subscriber Appreciation Reception, the program’s Annual Awards Luncheon, a distribution system optimization professional session – and the launch of the Partnership’s parallel optimization program for wastewater utilities, thePartnership for Clean Water. Visit the Partnership for Safe Water booth at the AWWA Pavilion in the exhibit hall to learn more about Partnership programs and have your questions answered by Partnership staff. Partnership for Safe Water Staff look forward to seeing many utility subscribers at the conference!
Read more about the Partnership’s ACE16 activities on the Partnership news page.
PARTNERSHIP ANNOUNCEMENTS
- Welcome to the Partnership’s new subscribers!
- Congratulations to the Partnership’s award winners
- Looking Ahead – Annual Reports due June 30
Learn more about Partnership happenings and other events on the Partnership news page.
AWWA Delivers Valuable Member Benefits Members receive news and information, periodicals and Section membership, as well as discounts on technical resources, conferences and other online learning opportunities. Learn more.
RESOURCES
Visit this resources page often for tech-tips, case studies, AWWA Opflow and industry articles designed to help utilities manage treatment and distribution optimization practices.
Partnership for Safe Water Program News: Birdsboro Membrane Plant Sets Their Sites on Phase III
From L to R in the picture – Ed Chescattie, Dean Miller, John Ruth, Aaron Durso, and Randy Straub
Kevin Anderson, Ed Chescattie, and Randy Straub met with Aaron Durso (Borough Manager), Dean Miller, and John Ruth (Lead Operator) for approximately 1.5 hours to develop a plan for completing the Phase III self-assessment. Birdsboro staff expressed commitment to moving forward and becoming the first membrane plant to complete phase III via the newly revised SAG.
Partnership for Safe Water Newsletter Summer 2014
2015 Safe Water Conference Presentations available here.
Special thanks to: John Brady, Entech Engineering
Helpful Links for Our Partners!!!
- PA DEP
- AWWA’s Partnership for Safe Water Page
- EPA’s Safe Water Page
- EPA’s Response Protocol Toolbox
- PA DEP’s Lead in Drinking Water Page
- AWWA’s Lead Resource Community Page
2015 Water System Optimization Conference-Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Partnership for Safe Water Program: October 28-30, 2015
WE THANK OUR SPONSORS:
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2015 Safe Water Conference Presentations available here.
Special thanks to: John Brady, Entech Engineering
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What is the Partnership for Safe Water?
The Partnership for Safe Water is a voluntary initiative for enhancing water treatment to provide higher quality drinking water. The Partnership program is a four-phased, self-assessment and peer-review process to help water suppliers examine their water operations, maintenance, and management practices to determine where improvements can be made.
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