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Charlestown EAC flags drought warning, worries about data center impact on wells
Summary
The EAC discussed PA DEP's drought warning for Chester County and urged attention to industrial water use after Chair Carol Armstrong raised concerns that data center demand could affect private well supplies; the committee also planned PFAS outreach for well owners.
Chair Carol Armstrong opened the meeting by noting that the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has designated Chester County under a drought warning and asked residents to pursue a voluntary 10–15% reduction in water use. Armstrong said she was concerned that data center water requirements could put additional pressure on local wells.
The committee emphasized outreach to private well owners. Members agreed to host a one‑hour community presentation on PFAS and PFOS in private wells led by Beth Yount of Penn State University Extension; the EAC estimated roughly 1,100 homes in the township rely on well water and discussed offering the session on a Wednesday evening in mid‑May.
Why it matters: Drought declarations and concentrated industrial water use can reduce groundwater availability for private wells; PFAS contamination in wells is a separate water‑quality concern the EAC plans to address through public education.
Committee members asked staff to coordinate scheduling and publicity for the PFAS presentation and to include drought‑reduction guidance in the township newsletter. The meeting record shows no formal vote on policy changes; members approved the plan to pursue community education and to identify timing and publicity channels.
