Burns: Patton water quality on agenda for May 12 borough meeting

DEP representatives set to answer questions

PATTON, May 9 – Patton residents upset with a rotten egg smell and other water quality issues can address state Department of Environmental Protection Safe Drinking Water staff at the 7 p.m. Thursday, May 12 borough meeting, said state Rep. Frank Burns.

Burns, D-Cambria, said borough water customers began complaining to his office a few months ago, after the water source switched from Chest Creek to three wells drilled at the behest of DEP, which said the creek as an open water source carried a threat of contamination and could no longer be used.

“The main issue is the smell and despite attempts to adjust chemicals in the water treatment process, many people remain upset,” Burns said. “Anyone with questions or comments on this problem should attend the meeting to address the DEP experts.”

Burns said despite DEP assurances that the water is not detrimental to health, residents are unhappy with the taste and smell of their water since the DEP-mandated switch.

“Responsive government is all about listening to the people, which is why I commend Patton Borough officials for hosting this meeting and urge anyone who has this problem to attend,” Burns said.

The meeting will be held in the Patton Borough Building, 800 Fourth Ave.