AWWA JAW10874

The quality of surface water in two small streams that provide supplies to the water systems of Jennerstown and Boalsburg, Pennsylvania, was monitored during episodes of acid runoff in February 1981 (Card Machine Run) and March 1983 (Galbraith Gap Run). Changes in pH, in aluminum concentration, and in the Ryznar Stability Index (RSI) were determined. pH decreased as acid precipitation runoff (stream flow) increased, whereas corrosivity as indicated by the RSI and concentrations of aluminum increased. It is possible that differences in soils, geology, and long-term loadings of acid precipitation on these two watersheds account for the observed differences in water quality. It is as yet unclear whether the observed changes in source water quality will produce similar changes in the quality of tap water provided to customers in the systems studied. Potential health effects of high aluminum concentrations to humans undergoing hemodialysis treatment are discussed. Includes 17 references, figures.