BBA construction of new sewer plant, Page 7
The Home News Your Local News
MARCH 19-25, 2020
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ABE Laboratories Helping residents keep Water safe and clean By KERI LINDENMUTH Started by the United Nations, World Water Day is celebrated every year on March 22. It is a day to highlight the importance of fresh water, promote the supply of clean water, and ensure that all of the world’s population has access to water resources. ABE Laboratories in Bath is a local organization doing its part this World Water Day to ensure that all residents, whether they’re individual home owners or businesses, have access to clean water. The organization has been committed to this goal for nearly 50 years. ABE was founded in the 1970s, when it began testing for coliform bacteria. In 1977, the business approached Brad Niper about developing testing methods for lead in drinking water. At the time, Brad was running the atomic absorption process at Hoffman-La Roche (known today as Roche). Brad decided to join ABE as an equal partner and, in the early 1980s, took over full ownership of the company. Brad, his wife Elsie, and Meredith Niper have invested countless hours in developing the business and the success of their efforts is illustrated by the longevity of the company. They believe that their customers deserve a trustworthy and prompt test result. That culture remains the core of the business and will remain into the future. This year, The Home News sat down with Meredith Niper to discuss the importance of clean water and how residents of Northampton County can ensure their water supply is safe for their loved ones.
1. Why would someone need to come to ABE to get their water tested? Are they usually individuals, businesses, environmental groups, etc? People engage ABE’s services for a variety of reasons ranging from personal safety to real estate requirements to government regulations. Our customers include homeowners, home inspectors, water operators, well drillers, water treatment providers and businesses with DEP/EPA testing requirements. Businesses with testing requirements can include restaurants, mobile home parks, churches, and daycares. 2. How is water tested at your laboratory? Every water test has a different analysis method. The methods we employ are standard operating procedures which are derived from established standard methods and which meet the EPA requirements. 3. What are some common particles found in local water that you test? Common contaminants in local well water include Total Coliform bacteria, E. coli, Nitrates, Nitrites, Manganese and Lead. While not common, we have also encountered certain known and potential carcinogens like arsenic and glyphosate (Roundup®). 4. What are some things residents can do to ensure they’re keeping their well water safe? Homeowners should have their water tested annually. The EPA recommends that a homeowner test their well water for Total Continued on page 13
Photo by Gregory Morgan Photography
2nd Annual Shamrock 5K held in Nazareth
by HOME NEWS STAFF The Nazareth Fire Department, Vigilance Hose Co. #1, held their Second Annual Shamrock 5K on Saturday, March 14. This event was held to help raise funds for the fire department and its firefighting efforts. The funds will help with equipping the fire company volunteers with the gear and tools they need to keep the Nazareth Borough safe. The
fire department partnered with Bryn Mawr Racing Company to ensure the best race experience for participants. The race began and ended at the Vigilance Hose Fire Co. Social Hall, located at 38 S. Cedar St. in Nazareth. An authentic t-shirt was given to the first 300 registered racers. All participants were welcome to stay for a special event held afterwards at the Vigilance Hose Social Club.
Messages from Bath Mayor Mirabito
The Borough of Bath Municipal Office is open - for now. Although, there will be no face-toface contact with our employees in the office. A "self-serve station" has been set-up inside the vestibule of the Municipal Building. You may drop off payments, pick up forms, and, you may call
the office for information. Phone calls will be taken and emails will be answered. The Public Works employees have been instructed on what steps to take as well. Secondly, all meetings scheduled for the Borough of Bath Municipal Building have been Continued on page 2
First place was awarded to 43-year-old Mitchell Ricker of Easton, with a time of 18:53. Second place was awarded to 44-year-old Chris Fowler of Bethlehem, with a time of 19:16. Third place was awarded to 48-year-old AJ Loquasto of Easton, with a time of 19:38. The complete list of results may be found at http://www. brynmawrracing.com. Subscribe to The Home News $23 for 52 issues Call 610-923-0382
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