Chester Water Quality
Continues to Meet High Standards
When it comes to water quality, Chester Water Authority continues
to be known for its record of excellence. The Authority has again
received commendation from the Pennsylvania Department of
Environmental Protection (PADEP) for meeting all monitoring and
treatment technique performance requirements under the Safe
Drinking Water Program.
The award, which reflects the accomplishments of 1998, indicates
that by all measures, the Authority meets the ever- increasing and
challenging state requirements to ensure the best water quality
for customers.
As part of the program of complying with the regulations, the
Authority provides monthly reports to the PADEP about the
procedures used in the treatment process. Although not required,
testing for cryptosporidium is performed, and no traces of this
contaminant have been found.
The federal Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), initially passed in
1974 and amended in 1996, prescribed stringent standards for the
presence of organic and inorganic compounds, as well as trace
elements. The SDWA set strict standards developed to control the
substances in water that, when present in certain amounts, can
threaten the public’s health. Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs)
are used to enforce primary standards.
In addition, National Primary Drinking Water Standards have been
set for eight volatile organic chemicals (VOCs). These include
coliform, fluoride and other microbiological contaminants,
inorganic chemicals (IOCs), synthetic organic chemicals (SOCs),
and lead and copper.
CWA’s top priority is public health, stressing the importance of
clean, safe water for healthy communities and an energetic economy
while promoting a safe environment. Authority officials note that
while the region faces growing demands for available water
resources from many areas including agriculture, industry,
recreation, and home use, the water utility is working hard to
address those needs. CWA, as your regional water authority, sets
goals that are dedicated to meeting the needs of the communities
we serve in Delaware and Chester Counties and parts of the state
of Delaware.
