by Daniel Hanson on Friday, February 5, 2016

water

In light of the issues in the news about the water in Flint, MI and two related articles in the Lancaster newspaper, there may be questions about the water quality at the PA Dutch Council’s Camps.  We want to assure everyone that the water at both Bashore Scout Reservation and J. Edward Mack Scout Reservation is tested regularly and is safe.

Having our water tested regularly is requirement under the BSA’s National Camping Standards. The systems at both camps are registered with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection as Public Drinking Water Systems and as such, must meet all applicable state and federal system and water quality standards. We work very closely with Jack Curry from the PA DEP to make sure our system meets those standards. Over the summer, we test the water at each camp weekly. Martin Water Conditioning does the testing for everything that is required to be tested for (E-Coli, other bacteria, lead levels, etc.) and are immediately in contact if any issues arise so they can be quickly fixed.

Due to recent changes in state water testing requirements, the rest of the year we now test the water monthly. Mack’s updated water treatment and testing protocols have already been approved and are in operation. Bashore’s are being finalized. At Mack all water in camp is chlorinated. At Bashore, the entire system is chlorinated except the pool house which uses a UV disinfection system. Water test results are maintained at each camp and are on file with the state.

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