All News Releases By Date

EPA FUNDS IMPROVEMENTS IN RICHFIELD’S DRINKING WATER SYSTEM

Release Date: 5/25/1999
Contact Information: Bonnie Smith (215) 814-5543

RICHFIELD, Pa. - The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded a $348,000 grant to the Richfield Area Joint Authority in Juniata County, Pennsylvania. The funds will be used to replace the existing deteriorated and inadequate drinking water system. The system serves 200 residential and commercial customers in the Village of Richfield.

The existing water system was constructed in the early 1900s, and despite improvements over the years, the system is in need of major rehabilitation. Persistent problems plague the facility, including low water pressure, leaking pipelines, and the inability to flush and clean the system. The Richfield Area Joint Authority is no longer able to maintain adequate water levels in the reservoir and storage tank to provide proper domestic service including fire protection.

The rehabilitation will provide a new drinking water system for the residents in the Village of Richfield. The federal funds will cover 55 percent of the project cost of $633,000.

"Water is a precious commodity, and so necessary to our way of life, that no community should be without the assurance of clean healthy drinking water. It is our goal to protect the health and well-being of citizens and the environment," said W. Michael McCabe, EPA regional administrator.