Chester Water Authority Water Company

In 1988, Cadmus Group completed a Resource Water Assessment (SWA) of the Octoraro Tank. This assessment identified and ranked potential threats to water quality, with farming activities being the primary concern due to nutrients and sediment contamination. Additional risk factors include highway and bridge spills, municipal sewage treatment, urban runoff, and industrial discharges.

To enhance protection of the Octoraro Reservoir, Chester Water Authority and PA DEP developed a Source Water Protection Strategy (SWPP) in July 2015. This voluntary initiative brings together stakeholders to prevent contaminants from entering the reservoir. The SWPP aims to improve water quality throughout the Octoraro's 139 square mile watershed, benefiting both drinking water consumers and local residents.

CWA hosts yearly steering committee meetings to maintain protection efforts and encourage public involvement. Key stakeholders include the Octoraro Watershed Association (OWA), Connections for the Chesapeake Bay, Chester County Water Resources Authority, and both Lancaster and Chester County Conservation Areas.

Additionally, the Susquehanna River Basin Commission completed an assessment for the Susquehanna River Conowingo Pond in 2003, identifying agricultural pollutants, highway spills, and urban runoff as primary concerns. Secondary risks include discharges from sewage treatment, water treatment facilities, and industrial operations.

Assessment summaries are available at the PA DEP website. Complete reports have been distributed to municipalities, water suppliers, planning agencies, and DEP offices. For copies, contact the PA DEP Southeast Regional Office at 484-250-5110 or CWA at 1-800-217-7880. For information about the Octoraro Watershed Association, contact them directly at 517 Pine Grove Road, Nottingham, PA 19362, or call 717-529-2132.

1. Where does Chester Water Authority water come from?
   Chester Water Authority supplies surface water to Chester, Pennsylvania.
2. Does Chester Water Authority test its tap water?
   Yes. Like every public water system, Chester Water Authority must test its water under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act and publish an annual water quality report (Consumer Confidence Report). Ask the utility for the latest report or look for it on its website.
3. How do I contact Chester Water Authority?
   Call 800-793-2323 or visit 415 Welsh Street, Chester, PA 19013, or use the contact options on the utility’s website.
4. Does Chester Water Authority water contain lead?
   Water usually leaves the treatment plant without lead. Lead can enter tap water from older service lines, solder and brass fixtures inside homes, especially when water sits in the pipes. Run the tap before drinking if water has been sitting, and ask the utility about lead testing and service line records.
5. Is Chester Water Authority water hard?
   Hardness depends on the source and changes over time. The annual water quality report lists hardness, or you can test it at home. If it is above about 7 grains per gallon, a water softener sized to your measured hardness will stop scale and spotting.