Ambler Boro Water Dept

Our water comes from multiple sources including nine deepwater wells (six in Upper Dublin, one in Lower Gwynedd, and two in Ambler) plus one Spring Well located in Whitemarsh. These sources provided approximately 1.4 million gallons daily in 2017. All are classified as groundwater sources except the Spring Well, which is considered surface water.

The Ambler Borough Water Department serves Ambler Borough and portions of Lower Gwynedd, Upper Dublin, Whitemarsh, and Whitpain Townships. Our system is divided into three service areas with storage facilities and booster pumping stations. We maintain emergency interconnections with North Wales Water Authority and Aqua Pennsylvania.

A Source Water Assessment completed by the Pennsylvania DEP in 2002 identified our nine groundwater wells and the Spring Well as water sources. The Spring Well was determined to have moderate risk from certain upstream contaminants. All source water undergoes treatment to meet safety requirements before distribution.

Potential Contaminant Sources:

• Microbial contaminants (viruses/bacteria) from sewage treatment, septic systems, wildlife, and livestock operations
• Inorganic contaminants (salts/metals) from natural sources, urban runoff, industrial discharge, and agricultural activities
• Pesticides/herbicides from agriculture, stormwater runoff, and residential use
• Organic chemical contaminants from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants from natural sources or oil/gas production

The EPA and DEP set regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water systems, while FDA and DEP establish similar standards for bottled water. All drinking water, including bottled water, can reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants, which doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk.

Water Quality Information: Total organic carbon in our Spring Well ranged from 0.55 to 5.0 mg/L throughout 2017. We met all Lead and Copper Rule requirements in our 36-home sampling from June-September 2016. The 90th percentile level for lead was 0 ppb (action level: 15 ppb) and for copper was 0.248 ppm (action level: 1.3 ppm).

Elevated lead levels can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead primarily comes from materials in service lines and home plumbing. To minimize lead exposure, flush your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water after it has been sitting for several hours.

Our highest nitrate sample in 2017 was 4.35 ppm, well below the 10 ppm level of concern for infants under six months. Water hardness in our wells ranges from 8 to 22 grains per gallon. We do not add fluoride to our water supply.

If you experience discolored water after hydrant flushing or a main break, run cold water (not hot) for several minutes until clear. Bypass water softeners until the issue resolves. For persistent problems, contact the Borough office at 215-646-1000.

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