NPWA Becomes First PA Member to Join “Distribution Optimization Program”

The North Penn Water Authority becomes the first member, from Pennsylvania, to join the new Partnership for Safe Water “Distribution Optimization Program”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, March 28, 2011
Contact: Dan Preston
(215) 855-3617

HARRISBURG -- The North Penn Water Authority, located in Montgomery County, is the first Pennsylvania water system to become a member of the new Partnership for Safe Water “Distribution Optimization Program,” a voluntary effort to provide safe drinking water to all customers. Presently, the North Penn Water Authority provides drinking water service to approximately 78,000 people.

The Distribution System Optimization program is similar to the existing water treatment plant program. However, surface water, groundwater, and consecutive water systems are all eligible to enroll in the new Distribution Optimization Program. The program is specifically focused on preserving distribution system integrity to include water quality preservation, hydraulic reliability, and physical security. The program consists of four 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 Department of Environmental Protection, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Pennsylvania Section of the America Water Works Association, 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 North Penn Water Authority is working to provide an additional measure of protection to their drinking water consumers.

For more information, contact Kevin Anderson at 717-783-9764 or e-mail keanderson@state.pa.us Information is also available on DEP's website (Keyword: "filtration").