Water issues continue to impact Stroud Twp. community
STROUD TOWNSHIP, MONROE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A quiet community in the Poconos facing a big water problem.
On Friday, residents in Blue Mountain Lake got an alert from Pennsylvania American Water (PAW) about a test finding high levels of manganese in part of their water supply.
A water tanker is for residents to get clean water while PAW sorts out the manganese problem. According to PAW, manganese is natural and essential at low doses, but chronic high exposure could be harmful.
Residents tell 28/22 news this is not the first time they’ve had problems with their water, and enough is enough.
“We’ve been dealing with it for the three and a half years we’ve lived here,” said Blue Mountain Lake resident Rashad McNair.
McNair says he is no stranger to water problems in his Blue Mountain Lake home.
“My water is always brown. My son occasionally comes up with rashes on the side of his head,” McNair explained.
Residents are raising concerns after high levels of manganese were found in their water supply.
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High levels and long exposure to the naturally occurring element are especially dangerous for infants younger than six months, the elderly, and those with liver disease.
Elevated levels can also cause discoloration of water.
“You know what I’m in shock really that at this day and age, we can’t have a basic necessity like water. Clean water,” said resident Neicy Rubin.
“Mind-boggling. And how this could be happening I really don’t understand,” said Nicholas Korovesis.
Longtime residents say these issues are nothing new.
“How long have you been having water problems for?” Sack asked. “On and off 20 years,” Ricci replied.
The massive manganese problem is being addressed.
According to PAW, the tanker will remain in service for residents to get water. PAW is working with the Department of Environmental Protection to address this issue long-term.
Their engineering department is developing a manganese removal system to reduce the level of total manganese leaving the Well Three Treatment Facility.
Once the design and permits are approved, PAW will begin construction of the manganese removal facility.
There is no timeline for when this project will be completed.
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