McCreary County Water District

We strive to provide exceptional water service daily to our community. Our mission is to deliver safe, reliable municipal water that meets the highest quality standards. We've completed a vulnerability assessment and continue taking proactive measures to maintain optimal security for our facilities and distribution network.

Our water comes from two sources: the Laurel Creek Reservoir and Lake Cumberland near Big Creek. The surrounding watershed includes residential areas with some agricultural, recreational, and commercial activities. As part of our Source Water Assessment Plan (SWAP), we've identified potential contamination vulnerabilities.

The Lake Cumberland intake has a generally low susceptibility to contamination, with only three high-risk and four medium-risk potential sources within its critical protection zone. Primary concerns include forested areas, a major roadway, and utility corridors with possible herbicide use.

The Laurel Creek intake faces more potential hazards, with eighteen high-risk and thirteen medium-risk contamination sources in its critical zone. These include railroad tracks, crop fields, underground storage tanks, permitted discharge points, mining operations, and waste handlers.

While Lake Cumberland's remote location limits routine nonpoint pollution concerns, the Laurel Creek Reservoir intake requires closer monitoring due to multiple contamination sources in its protection zone. However, the impact is somewhat reduced by this being a secondary withdrawal area.

We regularly test for contaminants according to federal and state regulations. All municipal water, including bottled varieties, may contain small amounts of some substances. This doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, contact the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

Water sources include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels across land or underground, it dissolves natural minerals and sometimes radioactive materials, and can pick up substances from animal presence or human activity. Potential contaminants include microbial organisms (from sewage plants, septic systems, livestock, or wildlife), inorganic compounds like salts and metals, pesticides and herbicides, organic chemicals from industrial processes or petroleum production, and naturally occurring radioactive materials.

1. How do I sign up for sewage service?
   If you've recently purchased property, contact the water authority to establish new service, and they'll automatically transfer those records to sewage. Tenants responsible for bills need to complete a duplicate bill request form so we can send you a copy of your sewage bill. The water authority will NOT forward these records to us.
2. Why is my sewage bill much higher than my water bill?
   Sewage bills are based on water usage, but our rates are higher than the water authority's. Verify you're comparing sewage and water bills from the same billing period. We typically operate at least one month behind the water authority's billing cycle.
3. What does the "-" symbol mean on my sewage bill?
   This indicates a credit on your account. If the "-" appears before your total balance, you don't owe anything for this billing period.
4. Where can I pay my bill and who should receive payment?
   We offer multiple payment options. Visit the Payment Options section of our website for details. All payments should be made payable to MACM.
5. I recently filled my swimming pool. Can I get my sewage bill adjusted?
   Unfortunately, the City of McKeesport doesn't have that ordinance. Any water passing through your meter is billed for sewage services.
6. Is there a minimum monthly charge for sewage service?
   Yes. As long as your water service remains active, regardless of usage, you'll be charged a minimum rate.
7. Do you offer automatic payment options?
   We don't currently provide automatic withdrawals from checking or savings accounts. However, we do accept online payments through our website using Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express.
8. Why are property owners responsible when tenants don't pay?
   Sewage is considered an alienable utility that remains attached to the property, making property owners ultimately responsible for any unpaid bills.
9. How do I request a No-Lien letter?
   Send requests to 2800 Walnut Street McKeesport, PA 15132. The fee is $40.00, with checks payable to MACM.
10. What is the ACT 537 Plan?
    The Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act (Act 537) was created to address sewage disposal issues and manage wet weather flows. For a comprehensive overview of Act 537, read the Pennsylvania DEP article: Act 537 Overview.
11. I have concerns about odors. Who should I contact?
    Contact our Authority (412-673-9701) with your complaint, and we'll work diligently to resolve the issue. We maintain round-the-clock odor prevention at our plant, though occasional odors may occur. Please provide your contact information when reporting concerns.