About a month ago we brought a story to you about a former councilman asking council to oppose the new water treatment plant scheduled to be constructed in the near future.
The plant is supposedly going to be supplying residents with water from the Connoquenessing Creek and Beaver River instead of where the water is currently supplied from, the Slippery Rock Creek.
This has many people worried due to the Connoquenessing Creek being one of the dirtiest water sources in America.
We asked Connie MacDonald, the council president, what could be done in favor of the former councilman’s pleads, however, MacDonald stated that the Borough has very little power in the matter due to the water company being privately owned by the Pennsylvania American Water Company.
The water company supplies water to not only Ellwood, but several of the other surrounding municipalities.
Although the Borough cannot independently make the decision about the water treatment plant, they have filed a complaint with the water company- asking them to review their decision.
The Borough is still waiting for a reply.
Important side note: Many residents are in agreement with the concerned former councilman, however, recent news reports are claiming that water currently being supplied to Ellwood may not be as purified as hoped.
High amounts of a cancer causing chemical, chromium-6, have been found in almost all water sources around Pittsburgh, including the Ellwood water supply.
Chromium-6 is a naturally occurring chemical found in the ground, and in trace amounts it is supposedly not harmful, however, the local water sources contain higher amounts of the chemical than deemed “safe” by environment officials. After testing water suppliers across the country between 2013 to 2016, USEPA is finally working toward a solution to the problem.
We have reached out to the water company asking for any information regarding the new water treatment plant and if it will provide any extra filtration specifically for chromium-6.
Updates to follow as received.
Thank You for staying on top of this very important matter to all of us.
I would like to know the amount of chromium 6 in our current water supply and that of the proposed water supply.
Who would the water company purchase the property from? Ellwood Borough owns most of the property along the north side of the creek west to Rock Point.
I will look into these matters, thank you for your concern, Ralph! -Cassandra
Now THIS is something to “stand up to”!
Let’s hold anger in reserve.
Thanks EC.org and Mr. Chiappetta
this is NOT OK!!!!!!!!!!!! OK I’LL HOLD MY ANGER FOR NOW