River Alert System Reads Pollution

Washington PA Observer Reporter
15 December 2009
By Scott Beveridge, Staff writer
sbeveridge@observer-reporter.com

ELRAMA - A coalition of drinking water suppliers are now receiving around-the-clock data on new sources of pollution in the Monongahela River watershed, elements that have been causing problems at the tap.

The water companies partnered with universities and the state Department of Environmental Protection to install 13 computerized gauges along the Mon and other tributaries to monitor levels of a pollution known as Total Dissolved Solids.

"Now we will know exactly where the source is," Ron Bargiel, water quality manager at Pennsylvania American Water, said Monday when the River Alert and Information Network announced the project.

The company in fall 2008 began receiving complaints from its customers about an odor in the water, while industries were noticing scaling water pipes.

Many people were quick to blame the many companies that have been drilling new gas wells, work that requires large quantities of water that needs to be treated.

The DEP, after noticing the increased solids in the Mon, ordered gas companies to quit treating the water at sewage treatment plants that drain into the river.

There are many other sources to blame for the problem, including drainage from abandoned coal mines. The solids can include phosphates, nitrates, sodium and calcium. The DEP has said people with certain health problems should consult their physicians about drinking the water when TDS alerts are issued.

"We have said all along the problem needs a long-term solution," DEP spokeswoman Helen Humphreys said.

The DEP and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provided the money to purchase the gauges, which cost $6,500 apiece. The DEP also invested $75,000 to set up a computer network to gather readings from the gauges and make the information available to the public.

The project also will record the water temperature and measure the Mon's acidity.

RAIN also is considering expanding the project to detect and monitor such dangers as ammonia leaks.

"It's important for people who want to know," Humphreys said. "This is the first step in finding out."

The computer network also will allow 33 water utilities to share information to better protect the public's health by having the oversight to correct problems early, Bargiel said.

"We all have a vested interest in the Mon's health," he added.

There are nearly 350,000 people in Southwestern Pennsylvania who rely on the river for drinking water, said Kathy Pape, president of Pennsylvania American.

RAIN is a good example of how difficult problems can be addressed when government, businesses and universities collaborate, said George Jugovic Jr., the DEP's new regional director.

"Now it's vital," Jugovic said. "People are starting to realize that a clean environment generates the economy."

The water monitor recordings can be viewed at http://www.3RAIN.org