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Contact: John Gentzel, Communications Director, 202-225-4315


EPA to provide water to East Norriton residents with contaminated wells

Washington, Dec 22 -

East Norriton Township residents whose private wells have been declared unsafe due to high levels of chemical contamination will immediately start receiving free bottled water from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Congressman Jim Gerlach announced today.

“I was glad to be able to get the EPA involved in providing a solution to the horrible problem facing these residents,” Rep. Gerlach said. “I will continue working with all the appropriate authorities to find both a permanent solution to the water problems along Rahway Avenue and the parties responsible for leaking the chemicals into the groundwater.”

It was November when the first of several dozen wells along Rahway Avenue tested positive for unsafe levels of various chemical agents. With minimal funding available from the local and state agencies, Rep. Gerlach urged the EPA’s involvement in the discussions that ultimately led to the announcement of a bottled-water drive.

“No one should have to live like this, but for the time being, bottled water service is the best option available,” Rep. Gerlach said. “I’d like to thank the various agencies and authorities working hard to help these good people.”

Officials with the EPA will be in the affected neighborhoods starting today offering bottled water and information sheets about the problem to the residents who have already had their wells tested. Residents who haven’t had their wells sampled yet but agree to have the testing done will also be provided water. The free water distribution will continue until a permanent solution to the problem is found.

For more information about the water drive, contact Congressman Gerlach’s Montgomery County office at 610-409-2780.


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