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Source Water Protection Technical Assistance PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has developed a program of technical support services called SWPTAP to assist communities and public water suppliers in Pennsylvania with their efforts to protect public drinking water sources. SWPTAP stands for Source Water Protection Technical Assistance Program. Protected sources are the first barrier in the multiple barrier approach EPA recommends to protect public health. Municipal water treatment systems are rigorously monitored and tested to ensure they are doing a good job of turning raw water from both surface and groundwater sources into safe, reliable drinking water. However, the job would be a whole lot easier and the whole system would have an added layer of protection if the water at the start of the process was as clean as possible. Leaking underground storage tanks, polluted stormwater runoff, malfunctioning sewer plants, failing septic systems, road de-icing, are only a few examples of risks that can jeopardize our water sources. Since inappropriate development is a key threat to healthy drinking water sources, protection efforts require collaboration between local municipals and planners, residents and drinking water suppliers -- and often between upstream and downstream municipalities. SWPTAP is being implemented by the PADEP Regions with support provided through Spotts, Stevens, and McCoy (SSM) as the prime contractor, with Moody and Associates as a subcontractor and partner. Community water systems, municipalities and/or groups of municipalities are eligible for SWPTAP assistance. DEP staff will help develop a Scope of Work, and DEP funds the technical resources. They look to public water suppliers and municipalities to provide commitment or "sweat equity" to the effort. SWP programs can involve wellhead protection for groundwater systems, watershed protection for surface water sources, or both for systems using both ground water and surface water. SWPTAP projects include:
SWPTAP continues the effort begun years ago by WREN, PA Rural Water Association, and the DEP SWP Grants program to develop Source Water Protection Plans by offering a basket of technical services. Call your regional DEP SWPTAP specialiwst today to get started! DEP Regional Source Water Protection Contacts: Southwest Region - Tom McCaffrey (412) 442-4302
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