ASHLAND — As the Ashland area continues to deal with an ongoing boil-water advisory, new information provided by the Ashland Area Municipal Authority's engineering firm has shed light on the series of problems that led to the water crisis, while residents have pressed borough officials for answers about water safety, pressure problems, and how long it will take to restore normal service.
Alfred Benesch & Company, the engineering firm working with the Ashland Area Municipal Authority (AAMA), provided a detailed summary of the water system and the events that unfolded beginning October 5, 2026.
The information outlines how increased sediment in the borough's raw water supply, repeated filter cleaning, and a mechanical failure in the water treatment plant contributed to the situation.
During a public discussion, residents also raised concerns about whether their water was safe, why pressure had dropped, and whether aging infrastructure was contributing to ongoing problems.
How the Water Crisis Began
According to a report provided by Doug Wiest of Benesch, the Ashland Area Water Authority supplies water to Ashland Borough and Butler Township, primarily drawing surface water from the Ashland Reservoir, which receives water from springs and rainfall within the Little Mahanoy Creek watershed.
The authority also operates groundwater wells that are used intermittently.
Water drawn from the reservoir is filtered and disinfected with chlorine before being distributed to customers.
The current problems began on Monday, October 5, when a localized water main break prompted a boil-water advisory for a limited section of Ashland.
However, a separate issue had already been developing at the water treatment plant.
According to Benesch, raw water entering the facility had experienced an increase in total suspended solids, commonly referred to as TSS. These solids include sediment and other particles that must be removed during the treatment process.
The increased material placed additional strain on the plant's filtration system.
On Tuesday, October 6, the system operator and borough staff conducted a blowoff of a raw water transmission main upstream of the treatment plant in an attempt to flush the line and improve the quality of water entering the facility.
Because the treatment plant was shut down during the procedure and pressure fluctuations occurred throughout the system, a system-wide boil-water advisory was issued as a precaution.
Benesch reported that the advisory was later reissued after inaccurate information was discovered in the original notice.
Filters Using 30,000 Gallons of Treated Water Per Cleaning
One of the largest challenges facing the authority has been the amount of treated water needed to keep the filtration system operating.
According to information provided by Benesch, the high concentration of suspended solids forced operators to backwash the plant's filters as frequently as every four hours.
Each backwash uses approximately 30,000 gallons of treated water.
With the plant's holding tank capable of storing approximately 300,000 gallons, repeated backwashing significantly reduced the amount of treated water available for distribution to customers.
The situation created difficulties maintaining adequate water levels and pressure throughout the system.
Benesch engineer Jennifer Kowalonek explained that the continuing need to clean the filters has made recovery more difficult.
A meeting with a local filtration expert was scheduled to evaluate the treatment process and determine how to better manage periods of high suspended solids.
Mechanical Failure Caused Pink Water
Another major problem developed on Wednesday, October 7, when customers began reporting pink-colored water coming from their faucets.
According to Benesch, an immediate investigation at the treatment plant revealed a mechanically failed check valve on the potassium permanganate chemical feed system.
Potassium permanganate is used during water treatment to help address iron and manganese.
The failed valve allowed elevated levels of the chemical to enter the water system, resulting in the pink discoloration observed by customers.
After discovering the problem, borough staff contacted Aqua Pennsylvania's Roaring Creek Division to request the use of an existing metered connection between the two water systems.
Water supplied through that connection allowed the discolored water in Ashland's system to be diluted and flushed more quickly.
The emergency connection also helped maintain water levels needed to support the distribution system and fire protection.
According to Benesch, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) authorized emergency use of the connection through October 21, 2026.
The engineering firm reported that it has been working with PADEP, borough staff, and the system operator throughout the emergency.
Residents Question Whether Water Is Safe
During the public discussion, residents questioned officials about the safety of the water currently flowing through their homes.
Richard Korn, a borough resident, asked whether the boil-water advisory remained in effect because the water was actually unsafe or because officials were required to maintain the advisory until testing was completed.
Officials explained that recent testing had shown appropriate chlorine levels and that the pink discoloration was no longer being observed.
However, the system cannot be officially cleared for normal consumption until required laboratory testing is completed and state requirements are satisfied.
"We did have results that it was okay. So, I mean, bathing, doing things normally is fine. And then that's why the borough is working to get you guys a source for drinking water so you don't have to go out and buy bottled water," an official explained.
Despite those preliminary findings, the boil-water advisory remains in effect, and residents should continue following the advisory's restrictions until an official notice is issued lifting it.
Why Water Pressure Has Dropped
Water pressure was another concern raised during the discussion.
John Brown, who lives near 20th and Center Streets, questioned why pressure at his home had dropped significantly.
"I only have 30 pounds of pressure... Why is the pressure down? Why is the tank down?" Brown asked.
Officials explained that an isolation valve near the bridge in the area of the former Paul Chevrolet property had been partially closed to redirect water toward Fountain Springs and help replenish storage tanks.
"That valve will separate Ashland Borough from Fountain Springs. And right now with the water treatment plant struggling, we have that throttled back to push more water back into Fountain Springs and back into the water tank out there. So that takes away some pressure in town," an official explained.
The adjustment was described as a temporary measure to help stabilize the system while the treatment plant continues struggling to produce enough water to meet demand.
Residents Question Testing and Recovery Timeline
Rosita DeCarlo, a borough resident, questioned whether undetected water leaks could be contributing to the problem, what chemicals were being tested, and why officials estimated that restoring normal operations could take as long as two weeks.
Borough staff reported that there were no major water main breaks affecting the system at that time, although a small service leak had been identified on Brock Street.
Officials also discussed testing for chlorine, potassium permanganate, and other water quality indicators.
According to the information presented, the authority must complete three consecutive days of acceptable water sampling through an independent laboratory before the advisory can be lifted.
Officials explained that laboratory availability, particularly over weekends, could affect how quickly the required testing can be completed.
Benesch's written report states that once the treatment plant is operating at a level sufficient to meet system demands, the emergency connection with Aqua PA will be closed and PADEP-required sampling and laboratory analysis will take place.
The engineering firm estimated that normal operations could return within one to two weeks, depending on raw water conditions and the treatment plant's ability to produce adequate treated water.
That estimate is not a guaranteed date for lifting the advisory.
Resident Describes Years of Brown Water
While much of the discussion centered on the current emergency, one Peter Street resident described a water quality problem that she said has affected her household for years.
"Ever since we moved into our house on Peter Street, we have had brown water constantly," the resident told officials.
She said the problem has affected water coming from the kitchen sink, bathroom, and toilet.
"I can't give my baby a bath for like three days straight," she said, explaining that her family has dealt with the problem during the four years they have lived at the property.
Officials explained that sediment can accumulate in aging water pipes and certain service connections, particularly in areas where water movement is limited.
Changes in water pressure can disturb those deposits and cause discoloration.
Borough staff encouraged the resident to contact the borough immediately when the discoloration occurs so crews can investigate the conditions at her service connection.
Officials Address Aging Water Infrastructure
The discussion also turned to the age of Ashland's water system and whether changes in management or ownership should be considered.
A resident questioned whether council had considered replacing the current plant management or exploring the possibility of another water utility company taking over operations.
Borough Solicitor Jack Price responded by pointing to the age of the treatment plant and the significant financial challenges associated with replacing aging infrastructure.
"Plant's 40 years old. Heaven only knows how old the water pipes are... Some of their pipes are made of terra cotta. That's clay," Price said.
"If we had 60, 70 million, we'd put a whole new system of water."
Price also defended borough council members amid criticism over the situation.
"Council gets paid $80 a month, $100 less taxes... They're coming to three, four, and five meetings a month... I really don't think they deserve to be abused," Price said.
The comments highlighted the broader infrastructure concerns facing the borough beyond the immediate water emergency.
Water Rate Increase Tabled
The topic of a water rate increase was tabled.
Free Drinking Water Available for Residents
As the boil-water advisory continues, a fresh drinking water tanker has been made available to residents.
The tanker is positioned at the former sewage treatment plant across from the former Paul Chevrolet property, now associated with Shannon Tire.
According to information provided during the discussion, drinking water distribution is available daily from 7:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m.
The distribution is intended to provide residents with an alternative source of drinking water while the advisory remains in effect.
What Happens Next?
According to Benesch, several actions are underway to restore normal operations:
- Continued monitoring of raw water conditions and filtration equipment at the treatment plant.
- Repair of the failed chemical-feed check valve and inspection of other check valves of similar age or older.
- Consultation with a filtration expert to address periods of high suspended solids.
- Continued emergency water support through the Aqua PA interconnection.
- Completion of required water sampling and laboratory analysis before the boil-water advisory can be lifted.
Benesch emphasized that restoring normal service depends on the treatment plant's ability to consistently produce enough treated water to meet the community's needs.
Once the plant can sustain those demands, officials plan to discontinue the emergency interconnection and begin the required sampling process.
Until those steps are completed and the necessary approvals are obtained, the boil-water advisory will remain in effect.
For Ashland residents, the coming days will determine whether the treatment plant can stabilize, water pressure can return to normal, and the community can move closer to ending a water crisis that has raised both immediate safety concerns and longer-term questions about the borough's aging infrastructure.
Photos From the Ashland Water Discussion
