Doylestown Township Municipal Authority

UPDATE ON SOUTH WELL # 2 AND VOLATILE ORGANIC CHEMICALS (VOC’s)

(DTMA South Water System, located in the Estates of Doylestown)

Last year (2010), at South Well # 2, during routine water sampling for VOC’s, water sample results showed levels for Tetrachloroethylene (PCE) above the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 5 parts per billion (ppb).  The result measured was 5.8ppb. Following the rules and regulations of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), DTMA took another sample, known as a check sample and that sample showed results for PCE at 7.9ppb. South Well # 2 was then taken out of service and it remains out of service at this time.

DTMA will continue to monitor for VOC’s and in particular PCE at South Well # 2 and DTMA’s other 3 wells in the area. The most recent monitoring for South Well # 2 was conducted on May 5, 2011 and the monitoring results showed a level for PCE of 0.5ppb. Monitoring for VOC’s at DTMA’s three other well sites in the South water system was conducted on January 6, 2011. One well showed 1.7ppb and the other two at less than 0.5ppb each. The monitoring results for all three wells were well within the allowable PCE limits of 5ppb.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call DTMA at 215-348-9915 Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 4:00pm.

Thank you.

The Authority's main goal is to deliver drinking water meeting or exceeding requirements of the Federal & State Safe Drinking Water Act; to provide capacity and storage facilities capable of providing fire suppression water when needed; to construct and expand the distribution system as necessary to maintain the health, safety and welfare of Doylestown Township residents.

The Authority was formed by Doylestown Township in 1978 to better meet the water and sewer needs of the Township. The Authority then served in a planning and advisory role to the Board of Supervisors until 1986 when it took ownership of the existing sewer system known as Kings Plaza and the newly developing Doylestown Estates and The Greens water systems. In 1987, Doylestown Township entered into agreement with the Authority subject to following the general guidelines of the water and sewer plan as prepared by Huth Engineers and several operating restrictions. It was agreed the Authority could utilize the services of Township employees and in so doing, would reimburse the Township for all expenses related thereto. This arrangement continues to this day. 

In 1993, the Authority sold its interest in the public sewer system to the Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority. That Authority had been operating the public sewer system generally in the northern areas of the Township but now manages the pubic sewer system throughout Doylestown Township. 

The Authority owns and operates three public water system in the Central Bucks area. The largest covers most of Doylestown Township with better than 46 miles of distribution mains which service 2100 bulk, commercial, institutional and residential customers with ground water pumped from thirteen wells. A second covers the Cedar Crest Farms area of the Township as well as a portion of New Britain Township along Upper State Road. Surface water from the Forest Park Treatment Plant is the source for this system of more than 100 customers. A third system is located in the Cross Keys Place Shopping Center in Plumstead Township. This ground water system serves residential and commercial properties in the Cross Keys area with a stand alone well and storage tank. Approximately one million gallons of water per day is distributed to all customers and bulk customers, such as Plumstead Township's Patriot Ridge area and Bucks County's Neshaminy Manor Complex. A staff of three operators keep the water flowing on a daily basis.

The Authority maintains five storage tanks with a combined storage of 1.75 million gallons of water to meet the peak demand for domestic needs and fire suppression services. It is interconnected to the North Penn and North Wales Water Authorities for surface water. An interconnection with the Borough of Doylestown is maintained for the pressure and capacity needed to service the Doylestown Hospital. Interconnections are maintained with several independent systems such as the Pine Run Community. The benefits of interconnection provides supply and/or backup water sources and reduces the need for duplication of facilities, such as storage tanks.

Ground water is pumped from wells averaging about 500 foot in depth with water pumped from the 200 foot level. The water delivered is typical Bucks County groundwater in that it is high in hardness, iron and manganese. The iron and manganese is sequestered in two of thirteen wells. All groundwater is disinfected with Chlorine gas injected at each well house. Currently some seventy tests are completed in an effort to monitor for Microbiological, Radioactive, Inorganic (lead, copper, nitrates,etc.), Synthetic Organic (pesticides) and Volatile Organic (xylenes, carbon tetrachloride, etc.) Contaminants. All water is tested periodically as required by permit of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP). Water capacities are monitored under permit by the Delaware River Basin Commission.

You may also sign up to have your water bill automatically withdrawn from your checking/debit account.  Please click here to download the form, which you should then mail to DTMA at 425 Wells Rd, Doylestown PA 18901.

• Water bills are sent out by the DTMA. The green colored bill is from Bucks County Water & Sewer Authority (215-343-2538) for your sewer usage.
   

• Bills are sent out quarterly (January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1) and due by January 31, May 1, July 31, and October 31 respectively. Any bills received or postmarked after the due date are subject to the noted late fee, which will be assessed to your next quarter's bill.
   

• New or existing dwellings needing public water should:
  - Contact DTMA at 215-348-9915 to see if public water is available. If not, obtain a well permit from Township Code Enforcement Department.
  - If there is water available, obtain a fee schedule from the DTMA office and pay applicable service/tap in fees. 
  - Either way, obtain a plumbing permit from the Code Enforcement Office.
  - Hire a reputable contractor who is licensed by the Township. Meters may be purchased at the DTMA office, 425 Wells Road, Doylestown.
   

• Moving? Have your realtor contact DTMA with the settlement date so your water bill may be paid at settlement. Your realtor should handle all this for you.

Two helpful hints to public water users: when the house is quiet, take a peek at the water meter mounted on your supply line, usually found in the basement. If the little dial is moving and you're not using water, something is leaking, usually a toilet, and it is wasting water that you are paying for. Or, if you hear (yes, you can put your ear to the meter) a gushing or hissing sound, contact the Authority office immediately, as water may be leaking at the curb connection. We'll be glad to check it out at no charge.