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CLICK HERE
TO GO TO THE
DR.WATERS
INTERACTIVE WEBSITE!
This website (www.drwaters.org) has been partially funded by the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania Citizen Education Fund under a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
Have A Drinking Water Question? Ask Dr. Waters!
Send your questions to Dr. Waters at drwaters@ptd.net
How, where, & for what should I have my water tested?
Unlike non-tap water, if you have public or municipal water like the drinking water produced by Brodhead Creek Regional Authority your water is being constantly monitored by licensed professionals. However if you have a private well it is your responsibility to have your water tested on an annual basis. To find a testing facility look up “Water Analysis” in the yellow pages. The basic test for bacteria (Total Coliform Bacteria) costs about $25, however more extensive tests are available. Remember the Dr. Waters slogan -- It's May Again, Do You Know Where Your Water's Been?
Where can I take my engine oil for recycling?
The good folks at Jiffy Lube® and other automotive service will take your used oil free of charge. Be sure to keep your recycling container free of other substances. ONLY used oil should go into the container. Protect the container from rain and the elements so that water and other containments do not mix with your drain oil.
Are septic tank additives safe to use?
There are currently over 1,000 different septic additives on the market, but please save your money for routine septic system maintenance. No additive in the world is going to replace the need for regular septic inspections every four years. It is important to understand that everything that goes down every sink, shower, toilet, and even the washing machine in your house goes directly into your septic system.
What are the symptoms of water-borne illnesses?
Water-borne illness is always a concern, especially after heavy rains or flooding which churns up organic and inorganic materials from the bottom. Symptoms can range from fever and malaise to gastrointestinal such as diarrhea and stomach aches. Infants and the elderly are the most likely to be affected by water-borne illness, and although rare it can be deadly. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO HAVE YOUR PRIVATE WELL TESTED ONCE A YEAR.
Big businesses pollute, not individuals – Right?
The truth is businesses are heavily regulated, individuals are not. Over 75% of PA’s water contamination comes from individuals or what we call “non-point” sources. If a chemical truck flips over and spills into the Brodhead Creek, this would be a "point source" of pollution because we know exactly where the contamination came from. However, most contamination comes from an accumulation of individual activities or what we call non-point sources. Here are some things you can do to protect our water;
Sparingly use pesticides and fertilizers. Lawns should only be fertilized twice per year (spring & fall). The problem with over-using outdoor household products is rain water runoff. All the products you use can be washed into our creeks and streams and pollute our drinking water.
Property owners should always know where their septic system is located, including the drain field. Be sure not to park vehicles on or near your system. Do not plant trees or shrubs within your septic area because the roots can damage or ruin a system. If possible, keep the grass cut over the system to promote proper evaporation.
Maintain your septic system and have it inspected every four years. If you are purchasing a home with an on-lot system, require the seller to have the system inspected and serviced by a professional. This lets the buyer know were the system is located and ensures that it is functioning correctly.
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