Connoquenessing Creek Watershed Conservation Plan - Western ...

Connoquenessing Creek Watershed Conservation PlanChapter 3. Water ResourcesThough late summer hurricanes affected weather and precipitation after the initialsampling date, causing a flushing effect, which temporarily decreased the levels of E. colirecorded, levels rose again once time passed. Preliminary findings of the study indicatedelevated levels of bacteria in Brush and Breakneck creeks, and to a lesser degree inSlippery Rock Creek and Glade Run. This led to the addition of eight sites along thosestretches, in an attempt to identify the source of bacteria pollution.In general, suspected causes of bacteria level spikes included malfunctioning septicsystems at recreational camps, hurricane damaged sewer lines, periodic release ofchlorinated sewage treatment plant effluent, and sewage overflow. Streams that showedinconsistent findings or elevated levels of impairment were recommended for furtherstudy.Pennsylvania’s State Water PlanAct 220, passed in December of 2002, requires that DEP update Pennsylvania’s State Water Planwithin five years to determine the quantity of water in Pennsylvania, the amount of water used, and howmuch will be available in the future (DEP 3 ).The State Water Plan has not been updated in more than 25 years and, as a result, we do not knowwhich areas have critical water needs until water supplies are dry. Pennsylvania has experienced seriouswater droughts in the last ten years and water use has increased dramatically.Starting in March 2004, DEP required any commercial, industrial, agricultural, or individualwithdrawing 10,000 or more gallons of water per day, averaged over a 30-day period, to register andreport their water use to DEP. Those using less than 10,000 gallons may choose to register voluntarilyhelp DEP get a more complete picture of water use (DEP 2 ).To carry out the planning provisions of the law, aStatewide Water Resources Committee was formed to helpguide the plan. Six regional water resource committees werealso created to facilitate the development of regionalcomponents of the plan. Among their responsibilities iscarrying out a public participation process to ensure thatpeople with an interest in water resource issues haveadequate opportunities to provide input. A series ofmeetings was held in 2005 at each of the six regionalplanning areas to better define local water resourceproblems and opportunities (DEP 2 ).Glade RunDuring the development of the plan, areas were identified where demand exceeded availablesupplies. These Water Planning Areas will serve as planning boundaries for the creation of detailed waterbudgets to be used in Critical Area Resource Plans. These will be submitted for review and comment tothe official planning agency and governing body of each municipality in the identified area prior torecommendations (DEP 2 ).The act also establishes a formal program to promote voluntary water conservation and water usefor all water users. A Water Resources Technical Center will be created to promote the use anddevelopment of water conservation and efficiency education and programs (DEP 2 ).3-23