Even after all this time, questions over water extraction continue to abound in West Penn Township.

As such, the township’s board of supervisors on Monday met with a hydrogeologist to review the township’s water extraction ordinance.

Philip S. Getty, a hydrogeologist from Boucher & James Inc., spoke about protecting existing wells and streams from proposed large water supplies.

Getty said his recommendation is for a limit of 1,000 gallons per day over a 30-day average.

He then fielded questions from residents such as Allison McArdle, who asked what residents can do when their water is discolored or their aquifers run dry.

Dave Lapinsky questioned whether an aquifer could be damaged from excessive pumping.

“We need to have safeguards for the residents of the township in case their wells go dry,” Lapinsky said.

Mary Rockman asked how many extraction points are located in the township.

Dan Rockman noted that during a dry spell, individual owners are asked to conserve the amount of water they use, and asked why water extraction companies don’t have to conserve.

Getty said he expected to have a report to the township by sometime next week.

Supervisors and their attorney will use the report to create an actual ordinance.

Last month, supervisors on a 2-1 vote, with Supervisor Ted Bogosh opposed, agreed to hold a public meeting with a hydrogeologist.

Bogosh said at that time he voted against the measure due to not knowing the cost of the fee to meet with the hydrogeologist.

That came after supervisors earlier last month on a 2-1 vote hired a hydrogeologist from Boucher & James Inc. at a cost of $2,984 to review the ordinance.

That decision came after the recommendations from the township’s planning commission to hire a hydrogeologist, and to send Boucher & James the draft water extraction ordinance, the memo from the water extraction attorney, and the water extraction ordinance from Hancock, Maine. Township engineer Bill Anders will be in contact with Boucher & James through the process.

Bogosh said at that meeting he didn’t think it was wise to pay a hydrogeologist to do what he referred to as an “internet search that my secretary can do.”

In June, supervisors agreed to send a water extraction memorandum to the township’s planning commission for review.

Bogosh — who was also opposed to that measure — said at that time the proposed water ordinance asked to keep trucking of water off township roads, which may cause loss of liquid fuel funds and legal action.

In April, supervisors hired Curtin & Heefner LLP Attorneys at Law to review the draft water extraction ordinance and assist the township in determining the best options for resolution of water extraction issues. Bogosh was opposed to the measure.

The township will pay the law firm $225 per hour, not to exceed $5,000 without approval.

Additionally, the township is responsible for all expenses incurred by the law firm in connection with its representation.