Drought Update February 19, 2026

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has place Berks County under a Drought Warning. The Reading Area Water Authority is issuing a Voluntary Water Conservation Notice for all customers. A voluntary 10-15% water use restriction is requested at this time. Nonessential water use is prohibited during this restriction.

The following are prohibited: watering of lawns and outdoor areas; watering golf courses; washing vehicles, paved surfaces or other outdoor areas, filling or topping off of pools; and serving water in eating places unless specifically requested.

We will inform you when the restriction are lifted, and greatly need and appreciate your support.



Core 5 System (PWSID: 3061292) ONLY

Tier II Public Notice

Failure to Respond to a Disinfection Treatment Breakdown

ESTE INFORME CONTIENE INFORMACION IMPORTANTE ACERCA DE SU AGUA POTABLE.

HAGA QUE ALGUIEN LO TRADUZCA PARA USTED, O HABLE CON ALGUIEN QUE LO ENTIENDA.

From 01/07/2026, there was a low chlorine residual of 0.012 mg/L and on 02/03/2026, the chlorine residual was 0.03 and 0.37 mg/L. to The Reading Area Water Authority's: Core 5 Logistics Center Water System and thus did not meet treatment technique requirements.

We are required to maintain a disinfectant residual of 0.40 mg/L in the water supplied to consumers. Water samples taken on 01/06/26 & 02/03/26, showed a disinfectant residual concentration of 0.01 mg/L on 01/07 and 0.03 and 0.37 mg/L on 02/03/26 mg/L, which constituted a breakdown in treatment. As a result of this breakdown in treatment, there was a risk that the water may have contained disease-causing organisms.

What we should have done: We were required to notify you that boiled or bottled water should have been used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until the problem was corrected on 01/07/26 & 02/03/26. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water. PLEASE NOTE: IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO BOIL YOUR WATER NOW BECAUSE THE PROBLEM HAS ALREADY BEEN CORRECTED.

Inadequately treated or inadequately protected water may contain disease-causing organisms. These organisms include bacteria, viruses, and parasites which can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, cramps, and associated headaches. If you have specific health concerns, you may wish to consult your doctor.

What happened? What was done?

• On 01/07/26 & 02/03/26, it was determined that chlorine residual level dropped below the minimum chlorine residual required.

• We failed to notify both DEP and consumers within 24 hours of the problem.

• We did the following to return chlorine residual to an acceptable level: On 01/07/26- The Department was notified within 24 hours. On 02/03/26- The Department was notified within 24 hours.

A Tier 1 PN was not issued to customers because it first appeared to be an analyzer issue that was immediately corrected and did not appear to be an actual low chlorine residual. A Tier 2 PN is being sent to customers on 3/3/2026.