Water Quality Report

Overview

The Hollidaysburg Borough Authority (HBA) has released its 2024 Water Quality Report, titled "Quality on Tap. " This document details the safety and source of drinking water for residents. The report confirms that HBA had no monitoring violations in 2024, with the exception of a Total Alkalinity issue that was being addressed.

Water Source and Treatment

• Source: HBA is a consecutive system of the Altoona Water Authority (AWA). It purchases treated water from AWA.
• Reservoirs: The primary source is a blend of water from the Muleshoe Reservoir (owned by HBA) and the Plane Nine Reservoir (owned by AWA). Both are located on Cresson Mountain in Blair County.
• Treatment Process: Raw water is treated at the AWA Plane Nine Filtration Plant. The process includes:
  • Ozone: Used to destroy bacteria and organic materials.
  • Filtration: Water passes through sand filters to remove sediment.
  • Corrosion Inhibitor: Added to protect pipes and plumbing.
  • Chlorine: Applied for disinfection during distribution.

2024 Water Quality Results

The report includes a comprehensive table of contaminants tested. Key findings include:

• Microbiological Contaminants:
  • Total Coliform Bacteria: Detected in 0. 71% of samples (within the <1% limit).
  • E. Coli Bacteria: Not detected (ND).
  • Turbidity: Ranged from 0. 02 to 0. 15 NTU (well below the 0. 3 NTU limit).
• Inorganic Contaminants:
  • Copper: Detected at 0. 104 ppm (Limit: 1. 3 ppm).
  • Lead: Detected at 0. 0 ppb (Limit: 15 ppb).
  • Flouride: Detected at 0. 074 ppm (Limit: 2. 0 ppm).
  • Nitrate: Detected at 0. 682 ppm (Limit: 10 ppm).
• Disinfection Byproducts:
  • TTHM (Total Trihalomethanes): Highest annual average was 44. 60 ppb (Limit: 80 ppb).
  • Haloacetic Acids: Highest annual average was 9. 85 ppb (Limit: 60 ppb).
• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Carbon Tetrachloride and Ethylbenzene were detected in trace amounts but remained within safety limits.

Lead Information

• Source: Lead in drinking water primarily comes from service lines and home plumbing, not the water utility.
• Safety Tip: To minimize exposure, residents should flush their tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking if it has been sitting for several hours.
• Testing: Residents concerned about lead can have their water tested or contact the Safe Drinking Water Hotline.

Contact and Meetings

• Contact Person: Amy Hazlett, Borough of Hollidaysburg.
• Phone: 695-7543 (Weekdays, 8 AM to 4 PM).
• Email: ahazlett@hollidaysburgpa. org.
• Website: www. hollidaysburgpa. org.
• Address: 401 Blair Street, Hollidaysburg, PA 16648.
• Public Meetings: Held on the third Tuesday of each month at 5:30 PM in the Council Chambers.