The Bowmanstown Borough Authority, formed in 1997 and charged with controlling the borough's water system, said last night that its upcoming purchase of the Tri-Valley Water System is coming soon.

That system, which services Stone Ridge Manor in Lower Towamensing Township, will cost $175,000. However, members made it clear the authority will be taking a loan for the purchase and that residents will not incur an increase in water fees to cover its cost.At its September meeting, members noted that although Bowmanstown already has two well-fed water systems, the authority plans to buy this third system, which is also well-fed, in order to be "ahead of things."Noted Chairman Jerry Hall at that meeting, "There is some vacant land that people may build on, may not build on, we don't know. This way, we're kind of hedging against progress."Last night, attorney Hala Khouly, of solicitor Neil Ettinger's office, said a hearing with the PUC, whose approval is needed to complete the transfer, is scheduled for Dec. 19. If all goes well, she said, closing will tentatively take place between Jan. 3 and 10.Engineer Mark Bahnick then showed the authority several maps of its current water system and where two proposed connections to the Tri-Valley Water System may occur.He said that though "one composite system" was not immediately necessary, it would be better for water quality, circulation, and service to customers. He also added it should not affect system pressure and that the pipe lines should be installed at some point next year.Members also discussed how to accommodate Craig Sanders, the current owner of Tri-Valley, after the purchase of the water system. Hall explained that, per the purchase agreement, a stipulation was made that Sanders would have access to a certain amount of gallons per year to draw out of the authority's system for a seasonal business he owns filling swimming pools.Water plant operator Craig LaBarre suggested possibly placing a holding tank of up to 9,000 gallons at "Smitty's Well," which the borough no longer uses, along Fireline Road in order for Sanders to fill his truck.In other news, the authority said up to seven fire hydrants are not draining, which can cause problems, especially during the cold weather.LaBarre advised that two options are available, digging them up to see what the problem is or replacing them, at a cost of at least $2,300 apiece. He said any defective hydrants as old as the 1960s should be replaced rather than repaired.