Pa. American Water says ‘creek is returning to normal’ but conservation order continues - PennLive

Pa. American Water says ‘creek is returning to normal’ but conservation order continues - pennlive.com

Pennsylvania American Water said today that the condition of the Conodoguinet Creek is improving but customers should continue to reduce their water usage.

The company issued a mandatory water conservation order on Oct. 17, 2023, after a leak was discovered in an underground heating oil storage tank at Cumberland Perry Area Career and Technical Center in Silver Spring Twp.

The water company said the water is safe to use and drink.

“We are are working with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to determine when our Silver Spring Water Treatment Plant can resume normal operations.

“Preliminary results from sampling of the Conodoguinet Creek are encouraging and indicate that the creek is returning to normal water quality conditions.

“When we have confirmed that conditions have improved, and the plant can be restarted, customers will be notified that the mandatory conservation notice is lifted. In the meantime, we will continue providing updates, as needed, through the notification system and on the Alerts page of our website...”

The notice is in place for residents in Silver Spring, Hampden, Lower Allen, East Pennsboro and Fairview townships, and New Cumberland, Lemoyne and Wormleysburg boroughs.

On Oct. 17, DEP said there were reports of “a petroleum-type odor and sheen on the Conodoguinet Creek in Silver Spring Township, Cumberland County.”

DEP determined the source was a leak in an underground storage tank at the Cumberland-Perry Area Career and Technical Center on Old Willow Mill Road, Silver Spring Twp.

“The discharge to the waterway has been stopped. The amount of oil leaked is not known. The tank had contained 9,100 gallons of heating oil, and passed a pressurized tightness test in August.

“An oily sheen is still visible on some parts of the creek. Absorbent booms are in place to assist with cleanup efforts. There have been no observed impacts to wildlife,” DEP said.

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