Focus on Cabin Creek Watershed
Red Lion Municipal Authority
Source Water Protection Update:
Focus on Cabin Creek Watershed
January 8, 2016
Cabin Creek, located in Windsor Township, is the primary source of the raw water that is purified at the Authority's water treatment plant before being distributed as final drinking water to our customers in Red Lion and surrounding boroughs and townships. Secondary sources include Beaver Creek and the Susquehanna River.
In 2015, the Authority completed two projects that improved the quality of the final drinking water distributed to its customers. First, the construction of the new drinking water plant was completed and the plant placed on line in early April. Second, the Cabin Creek Reservoir was dredged to remove sediment that had accumulated over the 40 or more years since it was last dredged.
In 2016, the Authority's Source Water Protection Program will optimize both of these projects by focusing its efforts on reducing sediment and nutrient pollution from the Cabin Creek Watershed. Sediments, excess nutrients and high water volumes all result in lower quality raw source water and higher treatment costs.
First, the Authority, in cooperation with Windsor Township, will explore opportunities to reduce sediment, nutrients and the volume of water entering Cabin Creek during storm events by evaluating the storm water detention basins that exist in the residential neighborhoods in the upper sections of the Cabin Creek watershed. Many of these structures were designed and installed over two decades ago, and there are now new methods to improve old storm water detention basins that reduce sediments, nutrients and the high water flows during storm events.
Second, the Authority, again in cooperation with Windsor Township, will conduct outreach to the residents in these same residential neighborhoods to inform them of things they can do to improve the quality of the source water that eventually becomes their drinking water. For example, the Authority has purchased storm drain markers, shown below, that help everyone understand the connection between what goes down a storm drain and the water they drink. The Authority and Windsor Township will also make rain barrels available to all residents in these neighborhoods at a nominal cost.
If you would be interested in assisting with these and other efforts of the Authority's Source Water Protection Plan, please contact Keith Kahwajy at 717-244-3475, Ext. 235, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or Skip Missimer at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Storm Drain Marker
We are Helping to Preserve Healthy Drinking Water
In the February/March issue of Water Policy News, a national magazine that is published by WREN (Water Resources Education Network), they continued their series spotlighting source water protection efforts by proactive water systems. Red Lion Municipal Authority was profiled because we jumped in early and have gone beyond legislation to protect the community’s drinking water. Click here to read their interesting and informative article.
Source Water Protection Program
The Red Lion Municipal Authority has a comprehensive Source Water Protection Program to protect and improve the quality of the water in the watersheds that supply water to the Red Lion system. Components of the Plan include public education, emergency management, identification of sources of pollution, municipal cooperation and security upgrades to the water treatment system.
In 2011, Red Lion Municipal Authority was presented an award from Pennsylvania Rural Water Association for Source Water System of the Year because of the development and implementation of our Source Water Protection Program.
We are actively seeking individuals who are interested in assisting in the implementation of the program. If you would like more information or would like to participate in this exciting program, please call or email Keith Kahwajy at 717-244-3475, Ext. 235, or email Carroll (Skip) Missimer.
Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)
Household Hazardous Waste is a potential problem. Why?
There are potential short and long term consequences from the improper management of household hazardous wastes.
- Improper storage or use of hazardous products in the home can increase the risk of accidental poisoning or injury.
- Disposal of household hazardous wastes in ordinary refuse could injure sanitation workers. Some products are chemically incompatable, and may lead to fires in dumpsters or garbage trucks.
- Pouring waste down the drain puts it directly into septic tanks or sewage treatment plants that may not be able to filter out or properly treat hazardous materials. This can lead to the contamination of groundwater or surface waters where treatment plants discharge.
The York County Solid Waste Authority holds FREE Household Hazardous Waste Collection Programs. Make sure to visit their website for more important information!
Public Education for Home Heating Oil Tanks