Due to a severe drop in water pressure in the Trumbauersville water system, the amount of water in the borough water tank dropped significantly over the weekend.  At this time there is no clear reason why the water in the tank dropped.  There are no known seismic events in the area, nor did the fire company or a water carrier drain water from the tank.  Illegal opening of hydrants did not occur. 

            The borough speculated that if a water line broke, a sinkhole would eventually appear.  Thus far, there is no evidence that points to a sinkhole opening.

            To alleviate the borough's immediate problem of low water flow, with evidence of rusty water caused by iron oxide, the Milford Township Water Authority agreed to assist the borough with its water interconnection between the two water systems.

            Milford Township Water Authority will fill the borough water tank and restore water pressure.  Tests of the rusty water show only iron oxide.  According to Council President Chris Betz, on the Trumbauersville Facebook page, there are no mud, sludge, or man-made contaminants in the water.

            A change in water pressure and a change in how water flows throughout the system, for example, when the Milford Township interconnection is implemented, will cause sediment such as iron oxide to loosen from pipes.  The result is brown water.  Iron oxide causes hard water that results in white scales on household appliances.  Flushing water lines with a great quantity of water will rid the system of rust.  Unfortunately, the borough does not have a great amount of water to flood the system at this time. 

            Well #3 is not completed.  It will not be functional until mid-October.  Well #2 is able to provide enough water for residents' needs.  However, it is the sole water source for the borough until construction of Well #3 is completed.  Meanwhile, the Milford Township interconnection is itself under construction.

            Over a number of months a few residents of the borough have expressed concern about the quality of the borough's water.  They particularly noted their concern over arsenic levels in the water.  State and federal agencies mandate that municipal water systems provide safe water that removes harmful substances.  Currently, Trumbauersville water beats Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) requirements for harmful chemicals, including the naturally occurring arsenic.

            The borough council is investigating the source of the drop in water pressure and the resulting loss of water. 

            Betz noted that the loss of water is not the borough council's fault.  It is the borough's responsibility to correct the problem.