M
Millcreek
AUTHORITY
ownship WATE R AU THO RIT Y
AND YOU
O
n February 11, 2014 J. Keith Malone,
Operations Superintendent for
the Millcreek Township Water
Authority (MTWA) gave a water quality
presentation to the residents of Parkside
at Westminster, Senior Living Community.
Topics of discussion included the differences
between ground water and surface water,
the differences in the raw water quality from
the two sources, and the differences in the
necessary treatment techniques.
One of the concerns of the residents
was the relative hardness of the water they
receive. Water hardness refers to the amount
of minerals in the water. Since MTWA buys
95% of its water from the Erie City Water
Authority (ECWA) and produces the rest from
its one well; the residents of Parkside receive
a mix of water. The water from ECWA has a
relative hardness of approximately 8 grains
per gallon (gpg), which is considered high
hardness. The MTWA well produces water
with a relative hardness of approximately 17
gpg, so the blended water has a little higher
hardness than the ECWA water.
The hardness from the well is naturally
occurring calcium and magnesium, which
the World Health Organization considers
necessary for good health. Unfortunately
this hardness can lead to some residue
on dishes and appliances if left untreated.
Some methods for reducing the residue
where discussed with some very simple
and successful strategies recommended by
the residents themselves. Some of these
included using products like Jet Dry in the
dishwasher, and careful measurement of
detergents in the laundry.
Many thanks to the residents of Parkside at
Westminster for hosting this important and
informative forum.
The Millcreek Township Water Authority
is always willing to assist members of our
community with education and information
about our water and our water system.
illcreek T
YOUR
I
n December of 2013 Michael Pelletier and his mother Ashley Caldwell of Colonial
Avenue in Millcreek sought some help on a Science Fair project for Michael’s
fifth grade class at Our Lady of Peace School. Michael’s topic was the amount
of chlorine in his tap water. Who better to go to than their local water authority?
J. Keith Malone, Operations Superintendent at the Millcreek Township Water
Authority (MTWA) gladly offered his assistance. As the PA Certified Operator for the
MTWA system, maintaining the proper levels of chlorine in the water system is his
responsibility.
Mr. Malone met with Michael and his mother and discussed the history of
chlorine usage for water disinfection purposes, and how MTWA tests the levels of
chlorine in the water. After a little training Michael was testing the chlorine levels in
the water with the portable equipment used by Mr. Malone. Michael borrowed the
portable equipment so that he could sample water at his home and at other homes
around the area.
On January 26, 2014 Michael presented his project at the OLP Science Fair. Mr.
Malone surprised Michael at the Fair to see his hard work. “Michael did a great
job of understanding and showing
the importance of the chlorine in our
water for disinfection purposes,” said Mr.
Malone. Michael and his mother thanked
Mr. Malone for his assistance, with Mrs.
Caldwell saying “…you went above and
beyond to assist Michael with his project,”
to Mr. Malone.
Millcreek | Summer 2014 | icmags.com 11