Pennsylvania American Water has confirmed that its water sources show no signs of contamination following a jet fuel pipeline leak in Upper Makefield Township, the company said.
Pennsylvania American Water provides service to customers in parts of Falls Township, Lower Makefield Township, and Yardley Borough.
The jet fuel leak was discovered Jan. 31 in Upper Makefield Township’s Mt. Eyre neighborhood, which is approximately 7,700 feet from the company’s nearest well.
The leak was traced to a 2.5-inch crack in Energy Transfer’s 14-inch Twin Oaks pipeline, which runs to Newark, New Jersey.
Raw water samples were taken from the well on Feb. 20 and analyzed the following day, and samples from the Delaware River influent were taken Feb. 25 and analyzed Feb. 26. Both sets of samples showed no detectable levels of hydrocarbon compounds, the primary component of jet fuel, Pennsylvania American water said.
The tests were conducted after reports of private well contamination in the area.
“Pennsylvania American Water is pleased to reassure its customers in the Yardley area that the source water in their system shows no signs of contamination from this pipeline leak,” said Brandy Braun, director of water quality environmental compliance for Pennsylvania American Water. “We understand the anxiety associated with a situation such as this and are committed to providing peace of mind regarding the safety of their drinking water.”
The company said it will continue to monitor its source water for any signs of contamination and retest as warranted.
The leak has contaminated at least six private wells, and residents and Upper Makefield Township officials believe the contamination is more widespread.
State officials are conducting stream assessments and water chemistry sampling of nearby streams, and overseeing hydrology testing, according to information made public last week.
Upper Makefield Township officials have criticized Energy Transfer’s response and demanded an immediate shutdown of the 105-mile-long pipeline.
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) reported the first fuel smell in the township was reported in September 2023, but Energy Transfer did not find a leak at the time.
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