Two 10,000 gallon, stainless steel tanks have been placed in Summit Hill to serve as the borough’s water source during a major maintenance project.

One of the tanks arrived Monday morning and was immediately connected to the borough’s water system. The other arrived Tuesday.

Bob Mongi, superintendent of the Summit Hill Water Authority, said the borough’s permanent 500,000 gallon tank located on a hill behind the Ginder Field will be power washed, sandblasted and epoxy painted - both inside and out.

A private firm will do the interior work while much of the exterior project will be done by borough employees.

“This needs to be done every 20 to 25 years,” Mongi said.

To do the work on the large tank, it has to be drained which is why the two 10,000 gallon tanks are being utilized.

The temporary tanks were supplied by the I K Stoltfus Company of Lancaster. Jamie Stoltfus, who oversaw the connection of the tanks, said the firm was founded by his father in 1959.

They were placed in the unit block of West Amidon Street across from the borough hall, next to the basketball courts.

Mongi said there should be little, if any, impact on water pressure throughout the town.

Last week, residents of Summit Hill received a notice in the mail from the Water Authority stating:

“The Summit Hill Water Authority will be starting the Water Tank Cleaning, Coating and Retrofit Project the week of July 26.

“The duration of this project will last a month and half. During the completion of this project, the town, at times, may experience pressure fluctuations.

“For any questions, concerns, or issues please call the Summit Hill Water Authority Office at 570-645-3223.”

Mongi said the authority has been continually making improvements to the aged water system in Summit Hill.

Earlier this summer, he said the authority installed a six-inch line on a section of Market Street between Holland and Ludlow Street, replacing a three-inch line.

Emergency declaration declared

He said valves were installed at various locations in the borough so that if shutdowns are needed, smaller areas of the community are affected.

For the duration of the project, the fire department will have to utilize tank trucks instead of the hydrants in the event of a major fire, Mongi said.