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Water / Public Works
Services
The Emmaus Borough Water Department provides water service to 4,599 customers in Emmaus Borough with a system-wide average daily demand of 1.27 million gallons. The department also provides wastewater and public works services.
Staff
The Emmaus Water Department is operated as a branch of the Borough’s Public Works Department, which employs a total of 18 full-time employees, 1 part-time employee and an administrative staff of 3.
Water Sources in Emmaus
The first water system in the Borough of Emmaus was established in 1871, being a series of pipes connecting springs located on South Mountain that distributed water to customers via small-diameter distribution piping. In 1927, two wells were drilled at the site of the exiting “Main Pumping Station” location at Klines Lane and Minor Street. In subsequent years, the spring connections were abandoned, other wells were drilled, and a series of water mains were installed to create the current system.
Today, the Borough’s water sources rely solely on groundwater. The Borough pumps all of its water from six deep wells located at various locations in and around the Borough. The groundwater is treated by two methods:
- The water from certain wells is treated by an aeration process to remove volatile organic chemical contaminants.
- Chlorine is added to the water supply at all individual well locations for the purpose of destroying and safeguarding against the growth of any pathogenic organisms.
Improvement Projects
The Emmaus Borough Water Department is constantly striving to provide high-quality drinking water and an adequate supply that meets all regulatory requirements. Past projects have included the upgrading of five of the Borough’s six wells, the most recent upgrade being completed in June of 2019.
LCA Municipal Regional Sewer Plan
On November 8, 2023, LCA put out a press release giving initial information on a long-term, regional sewer plan for much needed improvements to the Kline's Island Sewer System. At the November 20, 2023 Borough Council Meeting, representatives from LCA gave a presentation with the initial details for the needed improvements and projected cost. The current system is aging and significantly under sized for the need around our area. LCA, municipal leaders, and state agency representatives have developed a primary plan to address the needs of the Kline's Island Sewer System. The estimated cost for the system improvements is $600 million. That cost will be distributed amongst 15 municipalities. The presentation from the council meeting is attached below and can be viewed by watching the recorded council meeting via the Borough's YouTube page. Also, additional resources from LCA have been attached below including the press release and an informational pamphlet. For additional questions, LCA can be reached by email at kiss37@lehighcountyauthority.org.