Potter County Today
Results from a historic analysis of the groundwater in Potter County were shared
with the public last week. With just one exception, the water quality was found
to be pristine. Dan Galeone (standing), hydrologist with the U.S. Geological
Survey (USGS), detailed the findings to nearly two dozen people attending the
public meeting at the Gunzburger Building. A detailed report will soon available
on the county website, pottercountypa.net (click on Planning
Department).
USGS partnered with the Potter County Board of Commissioners to collect data
on the quality and constituents of the county’s groundwater. The information
will be invaluable for public policy-makers, industries, regulatory agencies and
others seeking to protect water when sites are chosen for certain types of
development. A state grant covered the bulk of expenses. Some 47 water wells in
strategic locations were sampled. One of the wells, located in Stewardson
Township, showed a high content of a radioactive element, which Galeone said was
attributable to geological factors, rather than pollution.
Data was assembled and analyzed cumulatively, with the identity of individual
well owners protected. Confidential findings from the analysis were provided to
each owner. Similar studies have been completed in Clinton, Bradford and
Lycoming counties. Plans are being made to extend the regional groundwater
assessment to Tioga, McKean and Elk counties.
Also at last week’s meeting, Heather McKean, Penn State Extension water
resources educator, discussed steps that well owners can take to protect water
quality, More information on the USGS study is available from Dan Galeone (USGS)
at 717-730-6952, or Potter County Planning Director Will Hunt at 814-274-8290,
extension 229.