Last month, many Aspinwall residents' homes experienced a brief period of low water pressure.
The explanation was simple: the town was almost dry. The alarm system used to monitor water levels didn't function.
"I think the water plant needs a total renovation. It is an excellent plant," said Borough Manager Ed Warchol.
"We have always gotten awards for water quality, but I think it's antiquated, and the technology changes so quickly that it is time to buy into the new technology."
The borough had a preliminary discussion pertaining to advanced technology involving the water plant at its last meeting.
"You can have a small office and run a whole plant off a computer. Some excellent examples are Springdale, Shaler, and West View plants," said Warchol. "I went down and visited Springdale and looked at their operation. It is an excellent way to do things."
A new innovative system would replace outdated control panels, wiring, and make day-to-day operations at the plant smoother.
Updating the plant would be the perfect compliment to some of the completed projects that were confirmed by council this month, said Warchol.
"We have installed a new state-of-the-art chlorine system and all the pumps have been replaced. Now, we are doing a valve project. We had no shut down control between Fourth and Freeport. Currently, we still almost have to shut down the whole town if there is a problem in that area, so we are placing valves strategically so we can control the whole area and not cause problems for the entire community."
Two new hydrants also have been added to that area.
The hope is to renovate the plant within the next year or two, according to Warchol.
