Elmira Water Board

The sources of municipal water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels across land surfaces or through underground layers, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and, in some instances, radioactive materials, while also potentially collecting substances from animal or human activity.

Potential contaminants in source water include: microbial, inorganic, pesticides, herbicides, organic chemicals, and radioactive substances. To ensure tap water safety, New York State and the EPA enforce regulations limiting certain contaminants in public water systems. Similarly, State Health Department and FDA regulations establish safety limits for bottled water contaminants.

Since 1889, the Chemung River has served as the primary water source for the EWB. In 2017, the river provided 58% of raw water supply, while Foster Island Wellfields #40 & #41 contributed 28.7% and Hudson Street #1A provided 13.7%. The Hoffman Reservoir, EWB's original water source from 1872, now serves as a backup and supplied just 0.6% of 2017's raw water.

Rather than relying on a single source, EWB combines untreated water from river, wells, and reservoir to create an improved water product. Treatment includes adding poly aluminum chloride to coagulate contaminants like silt and bacteria for removal. Chlorine disinfection eliminates viruses and bacteria, while fluoride promotes dental health. Caustic soda and phosphate are added to prevent household plumbing corrosion.

The NYS Department of Health completed a source water assessment for Elmira Water Board based on available data. The assessment evaluated potential threats to multiple water sources and assigned susceptibility ratings based on contamination risks. This rating estimates potential risk to source water, not the actual delivered water quality.

The assessment found elevated contamination susceptibility for surface water sources (Chemung River and Hoffman Reservoir). Agricultural activities in the area increase risks of protozoa and pesticide contamination. While some facilities exist nearby, their permitted discharges don't likely pose significant threats based on their density. However, the total sewage discharged to surface waters in the area raises contamination concerns, particularly for protozoa. High flow velocities make river and reservoir supplies especially vulnerable to new microbial contamination sources.

The five active wells were assessed as having medium-high to high susceptibility to microbials, nitrates, industrial solvents, and other industrial contaminants. These ratings primarily result from nearby industrial/commercial facilities discharging wastewater and low-intensity residential activities.

It's important to note that all water sources undergo blending and treatment at the purification plant for disinfection and contaminant removal. Additionally, wellhead protection rules for wells and watershed protection guidelines for Hoffman Reservoir provide legal authority to prohibit activities that might cause significant contamination.

1. Q. Can the Mayor perform weddings? A. No, Bensalem Township Code does not permit this.
2. Q. Where do I apply for a marriage license? A. At one of these District Courts:
   District Court - 07-01-01
   District Justice Mike Gallagher
   District Court 07-1-12
   404 Byberry Road
   Bensalem, PA 19020
   215-638-1040
   
   District Court - 07-01-07
   District Justice Joseph Falcone
   District Court 07-1-12
   3237 Bristol Road
   Bensalem, PA 19020
   215-741-3501
3. Q. Do you need a permit for a pool or shed? A. Yes. Contact the Building and Planning Department 215-633-3644
4. Q. Where do I apply for a passport? A. The Bensalem Library
   3700 Hulmeville Road
   Bensalem, PA 19020
   M-W: 5pm-8pm
   Sat: 10am-4pm
   215-638-2030
   (Now offers photo service for $10.00)
5. Q. Where do I apply for dog tags? A. At the Bensalem Tax Office located at 3750 Hulmeville Road (near Imagination Playground). Phone number is 215-244-8840
6. Q. Who performs trash collection? A. The Township does not handle trash collection. This is done through a private hauler of your choice.
7. Q. Where do I file small claims (civil suits)? A. At one of the District Courts listed above.
8. Q. Does Bensalem have age restricted communities? A. Yes. Please refer to the attached list for your convenience.
9. Q. What action can I take if my neighbor's tree branches or shrubs are encroaching on my property? A. You are authorized to trim back those limbs, branches, etc. that are ON YOUR PROPERTY.
10. Q. Do you need a permit for a fence? A. Yes. Please refer to the Building and Planning Section of the website. Before a permit can be issued, you must complete an application and have a professional survey conducted of your property.
11. Q. What are the requirements for a handicapped parking area/sign? A. Handicapped parking space/sign requirements can be found HERE.