|
|
September 2025 Edition
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Bureau of Safe Drinking Water is proud to provide updates, information, explanations, and reminders to you with this edition of the Drinking Water News.
In this issue:
- Low Disinfectant Residuals and Boil Water Advisories at Groundwater Systems:
- What PWS Operators Need to Know
- Document Exchanges for Owners and Operator
- Noncommunity Water System Application
- Inspection Preparation and Follow-up
- BSDW Rolls Out New Cybersecurity Webpage
- Rounding Off Data
- Corrective Action Plans for Significant Deficiencie
- Importance of a Cross-Connection Control/Backflow Prevention Progra
- Assessments and Deadlines: What You Need to Kno
- Reaching Out: Asset Management Plans
Your feedback and suggestions can be submitted to dagrube@pa.gov.
| |
|
| Low Disinfectant Residuals and Boil Water Advisories at Groundwater Systems: What PWS Operators Need to Know
Sara Henninger, Compliance Specialist, DEP Northcentral Region
| |
Maintaining the required disinfectant residual at your water system's entry point (EP) is not just a regulatory requirement, it's a frontline defense in protecting public health. When residuals fall below detection limits or hit zero, it may trigger a Boil Water Advisory (BWA) resulting in further compliance actions.
It is important to understand the difference between a low residual, no residual and non-detect residuals. A low residual means the disinfectant level is below the required minimum for your system. If your system fails to meet the minimum EP residual for more than four hours, it constitutes a treatment technique violation, which is considered a breakdown in disinfection. No residual, or a reported residual of zero means no disinfectant is present. This is not just low, but is also a complete failure of a key treatment process, resulting in an immediate violation. There is no four-hour clock to fix the issue before it becomes a regulatory problem. If your lab equipment detects a low residual close to zero, that result could be considered non-detect based on the detection limit of the meter itself, which should be specified in the manufacturer’s information. If the low number is below the meter’s detection limit, it's still treated the same as having no disinfectant present.
Once a low residual reading is reported, which is anything less than the permitted minimum, your standard operating procedure should be to recover your residual within four hours. You must contact the Department within one hour to provide notification that you have a low residual. Attempts to regain the minimum residual reading within four hours after the initial low reading should be pursued. If this can be accomplished, no further action is required, but remember to report both the low residual and the recovered residual when doing your Drinking Water Electronic Reporting (DWELR) reporting for the month. If the minimum residual cannot be restored, you are required to issue a BWA unless you have the capability to shut down the EP. If you do not have the ability to shut down the EP, a BWA must be issued.
If a zero mg/L EP residual is reported, a BWA was issued, and the Department was notified within one hour of the event, you should then investigate why the residual was lost and get your disinfection treatment restored as soon as possible. The BWA should only be lifted once disinfection has been reliably restored, the inadequately treated water has been flushed (or consumed), and the appropriate number of coliform-free distribution samples have been obtained. It will also be valuable to think about what can be done in the future to try to prevent any other total loss of disinfectant residual from occurring.
Lastly, if your residual is low but not zero, i.e. a reading between a 0.01 mg/L to 0.05 mg/L, it is advised to confirm your Method 334.0 documentation is completed and gather information on your instrument and the reagents used to measure your EP residuals, as the Department will likely reach out to request this information from you. Verify the detection limit of the instrument from the manufacturer’s information. If the reading is below the detection limit of the meter, you cannot reliably say you had a detectable residual, and you should follow the same procedure you would as if the reading had been zero. Regardless of whether the low residual reading is determined to have been reliable, notification within one hour to the Department of the low residual is required.
When low chlorine events are discovered after a threat has passed, i.e. during review of monthly EP residual data, a Tier 2 public notification for the failure to respond to disinfectant treatment breakdown will be required if it is determined that the BWA was not issued as required. Your system will be required to submit a corrective action plan documenting how the system proposes to ensure a BWA is provided as required in the future.
Your responsibility as a system operator is crucial. Keeping your system in compliance requires accurate and consistent monitoring of your disinfectant residuals. If you happen to collect a residual that is low or at zero, timely notification to the Department within one hour is key to keeping your system in compliance. After issuing a BWA, documentation and implementation of your corrective actions and recovering your residual in a timely manner should be priority. If you’re unsure how to handle a low or no residual event, contact your local sanitarian immediately.
| |
| Document Exchanges for Owners and Operators
John Cairnes, Compliance Specialist, DEP Southeast Region
| |
When the owner of a public water system hires a new certified operator, it begins a relationship based on regular and significant communication between the two. Because public water systems are regulated by agencies such as DEP’s Safe Drinking Water program, that relationship is subject to scrutiny by third parties. Record keeping is important to ensure that state regulations are being met and that both parties are aware of and meeting their responsibilities.
Water system owners and managers are required to maintain documentation related to the operation of the system. The most important of these is a system’s permits. Community water systems are required to have a permit for each source used in their system, including interconnections with other system. While non-community water systems are not always required to have a permit for their sources, they are still required to obtain DEP approval to operate as a water system. Approval documentation from DEP can serve as a de facto permit and should be treated as such. Most treatment processes, storage facilities, and pump stations also require permits from DEP. When hiring a new operator, the owner should provide copies of all permits and approvals for the drinking water facilities, both to establish an inventory of facilities, and to acquaint the operator with any special conditions contained within the permits. Owners should only provide copies, not original permits, or risk their loss if one party terminates the contract unexpectedly.
If the owner has retained any operational documents for water treatment technology employed at the system, such as instruction manuals, calibration documents or usage records for testing equipment, it should be provided to the operator. This includes ancillary equipment such as pH meters and chlorine test kits, as the procedures for operating and maintaining such equipment will vary by brand and model. Owners should also provide new operators with copies of monitoring calendars, monitoring plans, and recent monitoring results and compliance-related correspondence with DEP, such as notices of violation and other enforcement documents. While some of this data is available online from publicly accessible databases, having them on-hand can facilitate the operator’s process of becoming familiar with the system’s needs.
Operators also have a responsibility to the owner to provide documentation relevant to the operation of the system. If the operator is a circuit rider – a contract operator who works at more than one system – the operator should supply the owner with a General Work Plan, which lists all the systems at which the operator is currently employed and how many hours per week that operator is present at each system. The operator should also prepare and deliver to each client a System Specific Management Plan. This plan includes contact information for operators, estimated response time, and standard operating procedures for process control activities at the system. Both these documents are required for circuit riders under 25 Pa. Code, Chapter 302, Section 1207(f).
All operators should also provide clients with a copy of their operator certificate, issued by DEP, to be posted on-site at the system. If the operator develops standard operating procedures for use in treatment plants, they should be provided to the owner for review. The same is true if the operator chooses to make any changes to an existing Operation and Maintenance Plan, Emergency Response Plan, Uninterrupted System Service Plan, or monitoring plans. If the operator will be monitoring chlorine residuals at the entry points or in the distribution system, the operator should also have and provide a copy to the client, an Individual Demonstration of Capability (IDC) related to the Environmental Protection Agency‘s (EPA) Method 334.0 for quality control of chlorine monitoring equipment.
While it is not strictly necessary for an owner and operator to have a written contract for employment, a contract signed by and possessed by both parties may be useful to ensure that both parties are on the same page and have a mutual understanding of what each expects from the other. Contracts can also clarify the duties of an operator who is not a circuit rider and has no General Work Plan or System Specific Management Plan.
If a water system employs more than one operator, one of them should be designated as an Operator-In-Responsible-Charge (OIRC) (if only one operator is employed, that operator is the OIRC by default). Water suppliers are also required to submit to DEP an Annual Operator Report each year, identifying all operators and operators-in-training employed at the system and denoting which is the OIRC.
Bear in mind that all the documents listed above are subject to review by DEP personnel during inspections and compliance investigations to ensure both the water supplier and the operator are complying with DEP regulations. They should be provided to DEP upon request. Having additional copies of the documents, including electronic copies, can facilitate the review for DEP inspectors.
| |
| Noncommunity Water System Application
Kimberly Bennett, Compliance Specialist, DEP Southwest Region
| |
Are you familiar with the Noncommunity Water System Application (NCWSA)? Noncommunity water systems are required to submit a NCWSA to DEP prior to making any changes to the public water system (or whenever a noncommunity water system has a change in ownership). This is important to remember if you are considering the installation of a water softener or different model ultraviolet light unit at your noncommunity water system.
The NCWSA applies to systems with groundwater sources and simple treatment such as chlorine or UV disinfection, ion exchange softening, or greensand filtration (in some cases). There are 6 individual modules that can be submitted as part of the NCWSA, depending on what the system is installing or modifying. These modules are for changes in sources, treatment, chemical feed systems, pumping equipment, water storage, or the distribution system.
The standard NCWSA, instructions, and modules can be found on DEP’s eLibrary: Noncommunity Water System Applications.
If transfer of the system ownership occurs, there is a separate application available on eLibrary at Noncommunity Water System Transfer Application; however, note that if any modifications to the system from what had been previously approved occur you will also need to complete the standard NCWSA.
The DEP website for the NCWSA lists the basic instructions, frequently asked questions, and detailed video tutorials for completing an NCWSA and the individual modules listed above.
The NCWSA is not applicable for public water systems that are exceeding any Primary Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) or EPA Health Advisory Levels (HALs). If your noncommunity water system is exceeding any Primary MCLs or HALs, a full Public Water Supply Permit Application will be required prior to making any modifications.
When in doubt, contact your systems sanitarian or DEP Regional Office to ensure you are using the correct application for the right situation.
| |
| Inspection Preparation and Follow-up
Adam Reeher, Compliance Specialist, DEP Northwest Region
| |
As a public water system (PWS), the water system and related facilities are inspected by DEP staff at least every 3 or 5 years, or more often if needed.1 During a routine complete inspection, DEP staff will evaluate all physical parts of the system along with documents like monitoring plans, operational plans, equipment and chemical specifications sheets, EPA Method 334.0 forms, standard operating procedures, and any other related documents. Owners and/or operators of a community water supply can use the Community Water System Inspection Documentation/Record Preparation Checklist document to prepare for the inspection.
During the inspection, Department staff may find that the water supply is deficient in certain aspects of its operation or may be in violation of 25 Pa. Code § 109. The inspection report will differentiate findings into either violations or minor deficiencies. An “A” or “B” level violation is also considered a significant deficiency. According to Chapter 109, a water supply “shall consult with the Department within 30 days regarding appropriate corrective actions unless the Department directs the system to implement a specific corrective action”, “shall respond in writing to significant deficiencies no later than 45 days after receipt of written notification from the Department, indicating how and on what schedule the system will address significant deficiencies”, and “shall correct significant deficiencies identified within 120 days of receiving written notification from the Department, or earlier if directed by the Department, or according to the schedule approved by the Department.”2 Any “C”, “D”, or “E” level violations should be corrected within 180 days of discovery.3 The Department should be notified within 30 days of a significant deficiency or violation being corrected.
It is the Responsible Official’s responsibility to ensure that the water system is in compliance with all regulations in 25 Pa. Code § 109. It is recommended that the responsible official and certified water operator (if required) schedule a consultation with their Sanitarian soon after receiving and reading the inspection report. Sitting down together and discussing the findings identified during the inspection allows system representatives to see the whole regulatory picture and allows for a productive discussion regarding the necessary corrections. For more complex issues, it is recommended that the PWS partner with a consultant and/or engineer to help guide them through any permit applications that may be required. Failure to correct significant deficiencies and violations may result in further enforcement actions. Department staff frequently conduct follow-up inspections in the weeks or months after a routine complete inspection. The purpose of a follow-up inspection is to ensure that progress is being made towards correcting any open violations.
Owning and operating a PWS can be overwhelming and, at times, frustrating. One of the most important things to remember, as a member of the regulated community, is that the Department, and more specifically the Safe Drinking Water program, exists to protect public health. Keeping an open dialog between stakeholders like the system ownership, board of directors, municipality, responsible official, certified water operator, and the Department is crucial to maintaining trust and ensuring public health is protected. Please contact your Sanitarian if you are unsure how to proceed after becoming aware of violations that exist at your PWS.
| |
| New Cybersecurity Webpage
Scott Alderfer, Water Program Specialist, DEP Central Office
| |
Water systems face challenges of all varieties, such as natural disasters like floods and drought, vandalism or other human-initiated potential disruptions such as damage to facilities or cybersecurity threats. To keep all public water systems (PWSs) in Pennsylvania abreast of the most recent alerts from the United States EPA and the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the DEP’s Bureau of Safe Drinking Water (BDSW) recently rolled out a new webpage dedicated to keeping your water system updated on cybersecurity matters that could affect your operations.
As you are likely aware, PWSs are considered critical infrastructure, and any unplanned shutdowns of PWSs can potentially cripple a local economy. There could be a ripple effect affecting national security, public health, and public safety. A cyber-attack on a PWS could have dire consequences for the affected PWS, for any interconnected PWSs, and for customers of the breached system. Acquainting yourself with and adopting cybersecurity best practices is critical to protecting water system assets and your customers’ water supply. Therefore, implementing cybersecurity best practices should be considered an ongoing priority at utilities.
Here is the link to BDSW’s cybersecurity-focused webpage where you will find:
Important information about recent cyber incidents involving known susceptible equipment or software;
Important reporting requirements for PWSs following cybersecurity breaches;
Webpage links to cybersecurity resources at various organizations, such as:
- EPA;
- CISA;
- American Water Works Association (AWWA); and
- WaterISAC.
Please check out the new Cybersecurity web page on a regular basis to ensure that you do not miss any notifications that may be relevant for your PWS.
| |
| Rounding Off Data
Dan Ackers, Compliance Specialist, DEP Northeast Region
| |
The need to round off data is not just for people working in a laboratory. Operators and system owners may need to round off laboratory results when reporting them to the Department. This process needs to be done correctly; as incorrectly rounding a sample result could trigger a violation when there really wasn’t one. While there are different ways to round off numbers, the method listed below is both easy and effective.
Rounding off (or just rounding) data occurs in two steps. First, look at the number of significant figures; which is simply how precise the number is. If a piece of lab equipment can only measure accurately to the nearest tenth, then the tenths place is the most precision to show in the result. If a regulatory level is set at the nearest whole number, then round a sample result to that same level.
Once the significant figure has been determined, see whether the number will be rounded up or down. The value of the digit to the right of the significant figure decides how this is done. If this digit is five through nine, the significant figure is rounded up. If the digit is zero through four, the significant figure is rounded down. Let’s say a lab result for Nitrates as N of 4.638 mg/L. Since the MCL for Nitrates as N is 10 mg/L, round the lab result to the nearest whole number (the ones place) in order to compare it to the regulatory limit. This also makes the ones place the significant figure, meaning round based on the number in the tenths position. There is a six in the tenths position, so rounding up. 4.638 mg/L will round to 5 mg/L. This makes sense since 4.638 is closer to 5 than it is to 4; however, what if the lab result was 10.31 mg/L of Nitrates as N? Again round to the nearest whole number basing the rounding on the tenths place. So, 10.31 mg/L now rounds to 10 mg/L. This puts 10 mg/L AT the MCL but does not exceed it. Therefore, from a regulatory point of view, this result does not trigger a violation.
What if the MCL from our examples above was 10.0 mg/L instead of 10 mg/L? How would that affect the lab result of 10.31 mg/L? In that case, the significant figure of the regulatory limit would be the tenths place, and our result of 10.31 mg/L would round down to 10.3 mg/L, which WOULD be an MCL exceedance and would trigger a violation. So, it is easy to see how properly rounding data is important; and, in some cases, could mean the difference between triggering a violation or not.
| |
| Corrective Action Plans for Significant Deficiencies
Gail Guenther, Compliance Specialist, DEP Southwest Region
| |
If your public water system (PWS) is cited for a significant deficiency violation, what do you need to do? The July 2023 edition of “Drinking Water News,” discussed the overall roadmap for returning to compliance after a significant deficiency violation. That process involves several steps. For easy review, you can visit the July 2023 edition.
This article, however, focuses on one element of the process, the significant deficiency corrective action plan.
| |
Once you have identified your corrective action(s) and consulted with DEP, your next step is to put a plan in writing, with a schedule to complete each action. Next, submit the corrective action plan to DEP. Section 109.717(2) of the regulations, found at 25 Pa. Code Section 109.717(2), requires you to submit your plan and schedule to the Department within 45 days from the date your system was notified that it had a significant deficiency violation(s). Once the Department approves your corrective action plan and schedule, you are ready to proceed.
| |
So, what does a good corrective action plan look like? We get that question a lot, and it’s in all our best interests for your plan to be a good one. The plan needs to include the basic information that identifies your system, the date of the plan, and the person who completed it. Next, you want to clearly lay out the information regarding each of the significant deficiency violations at issue and the steps your PWS will take to correct the situation that resulted in the significant deficiency. Most often, this is going to be a multi-step process. Specify each of the steps in that process and include a completion date for each one. This is your roadmap to resolving the violation.
To assist PWS in completing a corrective action plan and schedule, there is a fillable template available: Significant Deficiency Written Response Form 3930-FM-BSDW0005.
With a clear plan and schedule, you will have a step-by-step guide for resolving all the significant deficiencies and returning to compliance. And if, along the way, you find that you need to modify your plan or schedule, be sure to notify DEP and get written approval for any changes, as required under 25 Pa. Code Section 109.717(6).
Of course, when questions arise, you should reach out to your Sanitarian or another member of DEP’s Safe Drinking Water compliance staff. We’re here to help!
| |
| Importance of a Cross-Connection Control/Backflow Prevention Program
David Grube, Water Program Specialist, DEP Central Office
| |
Ensuring the safety of drinking water is a cornerstone of public health. One critical, yet often overlooked, component in maintaining water quality is the implementation of a Cross-Connection Control (CCC) program. This proactive strategy is essential for preventing the backflow of contaminants into potable water systems, which is a risk that, if unmanaged, can result in severe health hazards and regulatory violations. DEP has a guidance document for water systems to utilize: PA DEP Public Water Supply Manual – Part VII Cross-Connection Control/Backflow Prevention.
What is a Cross-Connection?
A cross-connection is any physical link between a potable (drinking) water system and a potential source of contamination or pollution. Common examples include garden hoses submerged in chemical-laden buckets, irrigation systems, or industrial processes connected to the water supply without proper safeguards. When pressure in the potable water system drops (e.g., during a water main break or firefighting), these connections can allow contaminants to be siphoned back (or backflow) into the clean water supply.
Why is a Cross-Connection Control Program Critical?
Protecting Public Health
Contaminated drinking water can carry bacteria, chemicals, or heavy metals, leading to illnesses such as gastrointestinal infections, chemical poisoning, or even long-term chronic conditions. A CCC program prevents these risks by identifying and eliminating potential cross-connections or by installing appropriate backflow prevention devices.
Preserving Infrastructure Integrity
Backflow incidents not only contaminate water but can also corrode pipes, damage valves, and reduce the efficiency of water delivery systems. By managing cross-connections effectively, utilities extend the lifespan of their infrastructure and reduce costly repairs.
Building Public Trust
Communities expect and rely on safe drinking water. Implementing a transparent and well-maintained CCC program shows a commitment to quality and responsibility, fostering confidence among consumers, regulatory agencies, and stakeholders.
Key Components
A comprehensive CCC program typically includes the following elements:
- System Survey and Hazard Assessment: Identifying potential cross-connections within the distribution system or facility.
- Backflow Prevention Measures: Installing and maintaining appropriate devices such as air gaps, double check valve assembly (DCVA), or reduced pressure zone devices (RPZD).
- Routine Testing and Maintenance: Ensuring that prevention devices function properly over time.
- Education and Training: Equipping staff and facility users with the knowledge to recognize and report risks.
- Record-Keeping and Documentation: Maintaining accurate logs of inspections, tests, and corrective actions to comply with regulations and support continuous improvement.
Conclusion
The safety of our drinking water hinges on more than just treatment at the source; it also requires ongoing vigilance throughout the entire distribution system. A robust CCC program is a vital safeguard for public health, infrastructure protection, and community trust. As urban development and water system complexity increase, the importance of such preventative strategies cannot be overstated.
Drinking water providers and facility managers should prioritize the implementation and continuous improvement of their CCC program to ensure safe, clean water for all.
| |
| Assessments and Deadlines: What You Need to Know
Matthew Hollen, Compliance Specialist, DEP Southcentral Region
| |
The day starts off as it would any other day, with a cup of coffee in hand going over last night’s water data to see if any information is starting to show any potential deficiencies that may be forthcoming. The next thing you know you receive a phone call from the lab stating that the bacteria sample you collected yesterday came back positive for just total coliform. A sudden realization sets in that this is your second positive bacteria sample for the month, or it’s a sample result that pushes you over the edge of greater than 5% of samples if you are taking greater than 40 bacteria samples a month. Now you’ll have to complete a Level 1 Assessment, or a Level 2 Assessment if this is your second Level 1 within a rolling 12 months. A link to both Level 1 and Level 2 assessments can be found by clinking on the hyperlinks above, attached to each assessment type. During the completion of the assessment there will be at least one, if not more, deadlines that you will need to meet. Let’s go ahead and take a closer look at the deadlines and how to make sure that no additional violations occur.
The first deadline is straight forward and is the same for both Level 1 and Level 2 assessments. That is, the initial date that the assessment must be completed, which is 30 days from when the assessment was triggered. You can find what triggers the assessments at this link. If you do not complete the assessment within the 30 days, a notice of violation will be issued to the responsible party and a Tier 2 public notice is then required. The associated public notification template can be found by clicking on either Level 1, Level 2 (E.coli), or Level 2 (total coliform). Just as a reminder, if your first attempt at completing the assessment is deemed insufficient, the Department will notify you. You then have 14 days to consult with the Department to determine everything that needs to be corrected for the assessment to be complete. Once notified, you will then have another 30 days to get the corrected assessment form completed and submitted to the Department.
After completing the assessment, you may find that nothing was wrong in the system and that no deficiencies are noted and need to be addressed. On the other hand, you may find some deficiencies that need fixed so that positive sample results are less likely to occur. You can set the correction deadline for those deficiencies that were noted during the completion of the assessment, if it establishes a reasonable timeframe to complete the corrections. The Department will have some discretion when it comes to approving these corrective action deadlines. For example, the Department may ask you to reconsider the timeline if you write down that you’ll replace an old rusty sample tap in 2 years. That might be a little too long to get that taken care of. If it’s something that may require a permit from the Department, a slightly longer timeline may be deemed acceptable. There’s one thing to remember with proposed timelines; if you fail to complete and notify the Department by the due date, it will result in a violation. So, once again, you will receive a notice of violation in the mail along with another requirement to issue a Tier 2 public notice to consumers explaining what is going on. That public notice can be found by clicking on this Tier 2 Link.
To wrap everything up, assessments have deadlines that are set forth in regulation and that are self-imposed by the system. It is highly recommended that you stay on top of all deadlines that are related to any assessment that you may have to complete. Get a calendar, or use a computer calendar, and mark down all the dates. The more involved and aware you are as a system, the better the whole assessment experience will be. It’s better to call and ask the Department if there is any deadline approaching, rather than having to explain to consumers that something was missed with a Tier 2 public notice.
| |
| Reaching Out: Asset Management Plans
Brad Baker, Operator Outreach Coordinator, BSDW
| |
Operator Outreach serves many roles, one of which is helping Public Water Systems develop Asset Management Plans. Through working with systems over the last year, I’ve learned that only some are adjusting their rates enough to meet their costs. Asset management planning relies on the concept of full cost pricing which means the charges for water cover the entire cost of properly managing the water system (e.g. O&M, capital needs, debt service) today and into the future.
However, if you don’t know what your costs are and what they’re going to be, you can’t know how much you need coming back in the door. Outreach can help you with this, and by “help,” I mean we’ll ask you for all the information we need and then do it for you! Our Outreach Provider will develop an excel file and a report that will include all applicable assets of your system (e.g. pumps, piping, meters) complete with: Description, Location, Quantity, Size, Model, Manufacturer, Present Condition, Useful Life Estimate, Year Installed, Present Age, Years to Replacement, Estimated Replacement Cost, Life Exceeded Cost, and Annual Plan Replacement Costs.
This lets you know how much to charge your customers to keep the water flowing while also setting aside enough funds to replace the equipment that’s going to break down 10 years from now!
Supplying drinking water to the public is not a responsibility to be taken lightly. I am grateful for all of you in the industry helping to ensure everyone can turn on their faucet and count on receiving safe and reliable water. Please consider utilizing Outreach to gain a thorough understanding of your assets and related costs to ensure you can continue doing this well into the future and are prepared for the inevitable replacements you’ll encounter along the way.
Spotlighted Providers
Outreach utilizes approximately ten providers at any given time, and I plan on highlighting a couple in each newsletter. Meet John Yamona and Mike Kyle, both provide free top-notch service on Asset Management Plans.
John Yamona: John began his career as a Water Quality Research Analyst at Penn State University. His utility profession started in 1987 with Pennsylvania Gas & Water (PG&W) as a Water Quality Coordinator until being acquired by American Water in 1996. He worked for American Water the next 30-years managing water quality, SDWA, and environmental regulatory compliance across Pennsylvania until retiring. John served as past Chair of the AWWA Water Resources Committee and was a member of the Regional Water Resources State Water Plan. John joined Operator Outreach in 2022 and enjoys assisting small utilities improve their water system operations.
Mike Kyle: Mike began his career in water as a chemist over 45 years ago at Springettsbury Township, gaining experience at industrial pretreatment and plant operations before becoming Director of Wastewater Treatment. He was hired by the Lancaster Area Sewer Authority as Executive Director where he served another 25 years, retiring in 2024. Under his leadership, the Authority grew from 17,000 customers to over 40,000 through various acquisitions and mergers. Throughout his 45-year career in water, Mike served as President of both the PA Water Environment Association and the PA Municipal Authorities Association and was recognized by the Water Environment Federation (WEF) as a WEF Fellow. He is currently a member of the PA Certification Board, Treasurer of the PA One Call Board, and Vice Chair of the Lower Susquehanna State Water Plan Committee. Mike joined Operator Outreach in 2025 and enjoys helping other utilities with Asset Management Plans and Water Audits.
| |
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, 400 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
