When Greater Johnstown Water Authority’s lines are leaking, customers’ phones will be ringing.
The authority, acting on a new state mandate, has contracted with a New Jersey company that will call local residents whose water supply is affected by leaks, construction or other disruption.
It’s an effort to get warnings out much more quickly, while also freeing authority staff from knocking on doors.
“I think it’s a benefit to our customers,” authority board member Tony Caputo said.
The initiative is the result of a new rule implemented by the state Department of Environmental Protection. Smaller water companies are exempt, but Greater Johnstown – with nearly 22,000 customers in 17 municipalities – must comply by May of next year.
Authority officials expect to have their system in place long before that.
It will work like this: When there is a leak, spill or other issue, the authority will choose a certain geographic area in which customers should be notified.
From there, SwiftReach Networks of Mahwah, N.J., will make calls to deliver a prerecorded message.
“It may be an accident, or it could be a water-line break,” Caputo said.
Mike Kukura, the authority’s resident manager, envisions other uses such as letting customers know when there will be construction or line-flushing in the area.
The system also could send messages to those who have past-due bills.
“We’d like to use it for more than just emergencies,” Kukura said.
The initial cost to the authority is relatively low: There is an $8,800 annual subscription fee with SwiftReach, as well as an $800 set-up fee.
From there, the total cost will be determined by how many calls SwiftReach places on the authority’s behalf.
Officials are encouraging Greater Johnstown customers to call the authority’s office at 533-4300 to ensure that staff members have correct contact information on file. SwiftReach also will be able to send text messages and e-mails if a customer prefers.
“We need to be able to contact you in case of emergency,” Kukura said.
Such notification systems are not new. In 2001, Cambria County unveiled “reverse 911” phone alerts to warn residents of emergencies or to call out emergency personnel.
Kukura added that, “for the past few years, schools have been using systems like this.”
Local News
Authority plans water warnings by telephone
- Local News
-
-
Proposed bill would expand use of traffic-light cameras
Some call it the hand of “big brother,” others are convinced cameras at signal lights would be effective in curbing red-light runners and ultimately saving lives.
-
Minister's trial date set
An issue has been resolved over the report from an examination of a girl allegedly taken by her mother to a Bedford motel to have sex with a traveling minister, clearing the way for a trial.
-
AP: Almost half of new veterans seek disability
America’s newest veterans are filing for disability benefits at a historic rate, claiming to be the most medically and mentally troubled generation of former troops the nation has ever seen.
-
Geistown beginning crime watch program
Residents will patrol Geistown streets in the coming weeks as part of a community watch program.
-
Persons of the Week: Nanty Glo vets will remember fallen comrades
Michael Kurtz, Tom Kasecky and Steve Kasecky will be among members of the Loy A. Douglass Post 3489 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Nanty Glo who will be honoring fallen veterans today, Memorial Day.
-
AG candidates face potential conflicts of interest
Both candidates for Pennsylvania attorney general have family ties that could pose a conflict of interest for the one who is elected as the state’s next chief legal officer.
-
Lawmakers: Capitol rallies unpersuasive
Nancy Richey stepped to the podium with a microphone at the Capitol rotunda with the hope that the right people would hear her message.
-
Richland closer to new chief
The search for Richland’s next police chief is winding down.
-
In brief: Thunderstorm downs trees, knocks out power
A late Sunday afternoon thunderstorm brought high winds, hard rain and hail to the Cambria-Somerset region.
- District Deaths May 28, 2012
- More Local News Headlines
-
Beryl Makes Landfall on Florida Coast
UN Blames Syrian Forces for Shelling Houla
Raw Video: Gay Protest Blocked in Moscow
Vatican in Chaos After Butler Arrested for Leaks
Jimmy Carter Endorses Egypt's Election Results
Biden Addresses West Point Graduating Class
Dozens of Children Killed in New Syria Attack
Raw Video: Activists Allege Massacre in Syria
NJ Man Charged With Murder in Death of Patz
Support, Fun for Kids of Fallen Soldiers at Camp
Fugitive Penguin Caught, Returned to Aquarium
50 Years Later, Underground Fire Still Burning
Light Show Transforms Sydney Opera House
Raw Video: Unruly Passenger Restrained in Miami
Raw Video: Robber Uses Drive-thru Window
Raw Video: Dragon Arrives at Space Station
Calif.'s Coronado Named Nation's Best Beach
CEO Salaries Become Sore Issue in Labor Disputes
