Richard S. Turkington, West Grove Borough Council President responded to the article in the Chester County Press as follows:
On October 26, 2011, the Borough of West Grove was required to mail the PA DEP – Tier 1 Notification form letter to all of our water customers. The tone of this letter was very alarming and naturally upset many borough residents. In our haste to comply with state regulations and issue this letter we neglected to add a cover letter explaining the occurrences which required that the letter be sent. We do apologize for that oversight and wish to put everyone’s mind at ease.
At no time was the water in West Grove unsafe to drink. At no time did the chlorine levels in our system drop anywhere near an unsafe level. At no time was there any danger of disease carrying organisms contaminating our water. At no time did anyone need to boil their water.
The July incident was an oversight in our record keeping. The problem has been corrected. The September incident was a minor mechanical failure which was quickly corrected and did not affect our water supply.
The State of Pennsylvania maintains very strict regulations for municipal water systems. Municipal water must meet standards which exceed those for the water which is bottled and sold in grocery stores. West Grove is very responsible in complying with those standards.
The Borough’s water storage and delivery system is not supported by tax dollars. It is supported by the user fees that the borough charges for consumption. Even though our fees are comparatively low, they are adequate to maintain a modern, well functioning water system, which continuously and efficiently provides clean safe water for personal consumption and fire protection.
Along with a modern water system, West Grove provides protection from a competent police force, trash collection for about $125 per year per household, the best snow removal operation around, and a stable financial position. West Grove is an inexpensive, fully staffed municipality adapting to the 21st century.
Again I apologize for any uncertainty or apprehension as a result of the PA DEP – Tier 1 Notification form letter. I also apologize for the under informed and alarmist opinion column in the Chester County Press. However, I understand that aging “Mickey Mouse” weeklies like the Press have neither energy nor the staff to provide the kind of modern journalism that we deserve.
Richard S Turkington, President West Grove Borough Council