|
|
About the Chester County Water Resources Authority
Our Mission
The mission of Chester County Water Resources Authority is to provide the basic science, analyses and planning necessary to protect public safety, to preserve the integrity of the County’s natural water resources and watershed systems, and to balance the needs of water users in support of Landscapes and planned growth for the County.
Our History
|
The Authority was established in 1961 by the Chester County Board of Commissioners, under the PA Municipality Authorities Act, to implement the Brandywine Creek Watershed Workplan. From 1961 through 1994, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Authority led the local efforts to implement the plan through the planning and construction of two water supply reservoirs and five regional flood control facilities. This required the Authority to become involved in numerous water resources studies and monitoring programs that also addressed other water resources issues facing Chester County.
To accomplish this, the Authority began a partnership with U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in the early 1970s to provide meaningful data and information on the quality and quantity of ground water and streams in Chester County. Since then, USGS and Chester County have continued to build an extensive knowledge base of information that is now widely relied upon to understand the inter-relationships between the County’s water resources and its land use management and water planning needs.
|
{Timeline} |
|
{Marsh Creek} |
Construction of Marsh Creek dam in the 1970's. The Marsh Creek reservoir is 525-acres, and provides flood control, water supply and recreation. |
Our Role
Today, the Authority continues to operate four of the five regional flood control facilities and the Chambers Lake reservoir. The Authority also conducts county-wide water resources management, planning, and investigations. The primary purpose of the Authority’s activities is to assist municipalities and others in accommodating planned growth while sustaining the integrity of the County’s natural resources.
The Authority developed and published Watersheds—An Integrated Water Resources Management Plan for Chester County, Pennsylvania and Its Watersheds which was adopted by the Chester County Board of Commissioners in 2002 as a component of Landscapes, Chester County’s comprehensive land use policy plan. To encourage the implementation of Watersheds, the Authority conducts, coordinates, and facilitates water resources management and planning activities.
|
Through its partnership with USGS and other partners, the Authority has ongoing programs to:
-
Characterize and monitor the County’s streams and ground water.
-
Provide scientific data, investigations, and projects to address priority concerns.
-
Provide reliable water resources information to municipalities, water users, and the public.
-
Coordinate with municipalities, water purveyors, government agencies, environmental, watershed and conservancy organizations, and others involved in activities that affect Chester County’s water resources and watersheds.
-
Operate Struble, Beaver Creek, Barneston, and Hibernia Dams, and Chambers Lake reservoir to protect public safety during floods and droughts. |
{BroadRun}
Providing Scientific Data
{Barneston}
Overseeing Flood Control Facilities | In addition to four flood control facilities, the Authority owns nearly 200 acres of adjoining riparian lands and easements and the 80-acre Chambers Lake reservoir. Chambers Lake is a 400 million gallon water supply reservoir that is used to provide water for the Coatesville regional water supply system during droughts.
Our Programs
Implementation of
Landscapes and Watersheds—The Authority’s programs directly support the goals, policies, and objectives of Landscapes and Watersheds. In leading the implementation of Watersheds, the Authority provides water resources information and publications to assist municipalities and others in understanding and integrating water resources management within local land use and water resources decision-making.
Regional Water Management Coordination— Chester County’s 21 watersheds flow downstream to five counties in Maryland, Delaware and Pennsylvania. Thus, numerous federal, state, county, and local governments, water users, and watershed conservation organizations are keenly interested and involved in water resources issues in the County. The Authority represents the County in coordinating with these entities on matters that affect the County's water resources and its communities.
Information for Our Watershed Communities— Through cooperative programs with USGS, the Authority provides reliable data and information describing current and historic hydrologic and water quality conditions to assist municipalities and others to understand the severity of drought and flood conditions and to encourage protection of the County’s water resources from unnecessary impacts.
Resources Management– The Authority owns over 200 acres of riparian lands and easements as well as wetlands and two lakes associated with its flood control and reservoir facilities. Great care is taken to manage these resources in a manner that protects their environmental integrity and supports their natural resources while providing for public safety.
Stormwater Management— The Authority works closely with municipalities and other agencies to advance the understanding and effectiveness of stormwater management practices to reduce runoff and its impacts on our streams and communities. The Authority also conducts studies, investigations and planning, such as PA Act 167 stormwater studies and the Christina Basin Clean Water Partnership efforts, to reduce stormwater runoff and nonpoint source pollution.
Regional Flood Protection and Reservoir Operations— In addition to operating four regional flood control facilities and Chambers Lake reservoir, the Authority works with other agencies and municipalities in flood mitigation and water supply issues. This includes working with municipalities to explore potential solutions to these concerns, such as maintaining the automated early flood alert system within the Brandywine Creek watershed.
Our Partners
|
The Authority operates under the direction of a nine member board of directors. The Authority’s staff and offices are located within the Chester County Planning Commission and benefit from the technical, graphic, and administrative support of Planning Commission staff. The Authority relies heavily on outside professional services providers, consultants and contractors for accomplishing numerous activities.
The Authority's programs and services are greatly enhanced by the professional and financial support and cooperation of the following long-term partners: |
{OrgChart} |
-
Chester County Board of Commissioners
-
Chester County Planning Commission
-
Chester County Conservation District
-
Chester County Department of Parks and Recreation
-
Chester County Health Department
-
Chester County Department of Emergency Services
-
Brandywine Valley Association
-
United States Geological Survey
-
PA American Water Company
-
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
CCWRA Board of Directors
Members of the CCWRA Board of Directors are appointed by the Chester County Commissioners for a term of five years, or for the unexpired term of a member of the Board. Members may be appointed for additional terms by the Commissioners. The Current Board of Directors are: Dr. Denis Newbold, Chairman, A. Sidney Brookes, Jr., Barbara D’Angelo, Lisa Donlon, Denny Howell, Louis F. "Rick" Smith, Jr., Robert G. Struble, Jr and Terry Woodman.
Content Last Modified on 8/3/2009 8:43:03 AM
|
|
|
