The Jackson Township Water Authority was founded by the Jackson Township Supervisors on April 11, 1956 in order to provide public water service to the densely populated areas of Jackson Township. The Jackson Township Water Authority entered into a water service agreement with the Nanty Glo Water Authority to purchase potable water through a tap on Nanty Glo's main transmission pipeline between the Nanty Glo Water Treatment Plant and the Borough of Nanty Glo located along Beulah Road. Throughout the Authority's history, the Nanty Glo Water Authority has been the sole provider of water to the Authority.
The Nanty Glo Water Authority's source of water is a dam and impoundment containing 225,000,000 gallons located on Williams Run near the Village of Revloc. In May, 1991 a new water treatment plant (constructed by Nanty Glo) was placed into operation. The plant has average capacity of 1,000,000 gallons per day and peak capacity of 2,000,000 gallons per day. The main pipeline from the water source to the point of connection with Jackson Township is a 12" diameter asbestos cement pipe.
Jackson Township, for many years, pumped water from the Nanty Glo main pipeline to a 500,000 gallon steel storage tank located in Mundy's Corner. Starting in 1992, the main pumping station was discontinued and the water system now uses additional pressure provided by the Nanty Glo Water Authority, to flow water into the Mundy's Corner water storage tank. From this tank, the original water system was gravity pressurized serving Mundy's Corner and the Vinco areas.
In 1982 / 1983, a major water system addition was constructed by the Jackson Township Water Authority in the Fords Corner, Chickaree area. A water pumping station (George Wyse Pumping Station) was constructed in Mundy's Corner and a booster pump station was constructed along Whitetail Road in the former John's property. At this same time, a 120,000 gallon underground pre-cast concrete water storage tank was constructed in the Ford's Corner area (Upper Loraine Road extension) and a 1,000 gallon hydropneumatic tank was constructed in Chickaree (old highway Route 22 below the Sheepskin Shop). Financing for this 1982 / 1983 project was acquired from the Farmers Home Administration (FmHA) via a $1,311,400 loan at 5% interest for a term of 40 years. The Water Revenue Bond is dated January 22, 1982. GMAC Commercial Mortgage Corporation currently services the loan. At the time of acquisition of this loan, all previous indebtedness of the Jackson Township Water Authority was liquidated.
In 1996, the Jackson Township Water Authority renovated its Nanty Glo Water Pumping Station by removing the pumps and providing a master water meter to read the volume of water Nanty Glo allows to convey through this point. The Jackson Township Water Authority pays the Nanty Glo Water Authority $1.80 / 1,000 gallons for the bulk water purchased.
In 2002, the Jackson Township Water Authority completed a major water system improvement project. Funding for the project was provided through a low interest Pennvest Loan. The project included the construction of a 158,000 gallon glass lined water storage tank located on Chickaree Hill off Mile Hill Road and a 573,000 gallon glass lined water storage tank in Vinco off Rose Branch Street. The existing pump station on Whitetail Road was upgraded to increase the pumping capacities to supply the new Mile Hill Road water storage tank. Radio controls and monitors the Mundy's Corner tank, Ford's Corner tank, Mile Hill Road tank, Vinco tank, Wyse pump station, and the Whitetail Road pump station. Approximately 6,540 feet of 6" water main was installed along Mile Hill Road. This line segment began at a connection point with the existing 6" main near the intersection with Whitetail Road and US Route 22 and continued down Mile Hill Road to a connection point with the existing 6" main near the Kist property. This line segment included the installation of fire hydrants spaced at approximately 1,200 foot intervals, air release valves where required, and two (2) pressure reducing stations.
Approximately 11,700 feet of 8" water main was installed along Swigle Mountain Road and Adams Avenue. This line segment began at a connection point with the existing 8" main on Swigle Mountain Road approximately 1,300 feet from the intersection with Pike Road and continued along Swigle Mountain Road to Adams Avenue, then along Adams Avenue to a connection point with the existing 8" main approximately 200 feet from the intersection with Zurenda Lane. This line segment included the installation of fire hydrants spaced approximately 1,200-foot intervals and air release valves where required.
A change order to the contract was issued for the construction of water mains along William Penn Avenue and Griffith Avenue. Approximately 1,350 feet of 6" water main was installed along William Penn Avenue beginning at a connection point with the existing 6" water main near the Jackson / East Taylor Sewer Authority Office and continued along William Penn Avenue to a connection point with the existing 6" water main at the intersection with Ranch Road. Approximately 1,740 feet of deteriorated 2" water main was replaced with 6" water main along William Penn Avenue and Griffith Avenue. This line replacement began at a connection point on Griffith Avenue approximately 820 feet from the intersection with William Penn Avenue and continued along Griffith Avenue to William Penn Avenue then along William Penn Avenue to Courter Avenue.