Welcome to the Maidencreek Township Authority
DROUGHT WARNING
This is a message from the Maidencreek Township Water Authority. Governor Josh Shapiro has issued a drought warning for all of Berks and Schuylkill County on November 6th. Under a drought warning, we ask that our customers begin a voluntary water reduction of 10 to 15 %. Currently our groundwater well sources are just beginning to show lower groundwater levels. If the drought continues, we could experience rapid drops in our groundwater supply levels. If you have any leaking water fixtures or leaking toilets, we ask that you make it a greater priority to repair. We also ask that you refrain from any unnecessary use of water. Please limit washing of vehicles and the watering of lawns. Under a drought warning, we ask our customers to voluntarily reduce water use. If our customers are proactive now, this may reduce the need for mandatory restrictions if we continue to remain in a drought. Please remember a quote from Benjamin Franklin “When the well’s dry, we know the worth of water.”
In 1950 the Blandon community recognized the need for a public water supply. All of the homes in Blandon had private wells and many of these wells had become contaminated as a result of failing septic systems. And in 1951, the Maidencreek Township Water Authority was established. The newly created water authority went about purchasing 140 acres on top of Irish Mountain. An impoundment was built along with a well house. Six-inch cast iron pipes were installed to provide a distribution system to service the Blandon residents. Much of this six-inch cast iron pipe is still in use today. The original system met the needs of the Blandon Community until the 1990’s. In 1992, giardia cysts were found in the source water feeding the open impoundment. The Water Authority went about developing new sources of groundwater. Today, the water system has two above ground water storage tanks totaling 800,000 gallons along with 3 groundwater wells. The current system is capable of providing 3.0 million gallons per day of potable drinking water to our customers. Our water system also provides fire protection. The Maidencreek Township Authority has developed two additional wells located on the old Phillip’s Farm located on 20 acres adjacent to the Maidencreek Church bordering Route 73. Once completed, the wells will provide an additional 2.0 million gallons per day. The new wells are anticipated to go on line in late 2023.
In the late 1970’s, the Maidencreek Township Authority was founded to address the failing septic systems. In 1980 the community built a new sewage collection system and a sewage treatment plant. The plant is located on Willow Creek Road in Ontelaunee Township. The original treatment plant was upgraded in 2002. Today, the treatment plant capacity is rated at 800,000 gallons per day. There are a total of 39 miles of sewer and water lines throughout the Maidencreek Township community.
The Maidencreek Township Authority serves approximately 3,000 sewer and water customers. The Water and Sewer Authorities were merged into one operating authority on January 19, 1990.
The Maidencreek Township Authority remains well positioned to provide safe, reliable and cost-effective water and sewer services to our customers.