Water problems at SCI Mahanoy, tip of the iceberg
By Marta Guttenberg
In mid January, people incarcerated at Pennsylvania State Correctional Institute at Mahanoy were once again telling their families that the tap water was brown and undrinkable. On Jan. 17 an assistant to the superintendent assured one concerned caller that the water was “safe” and also said that bottled water was being provided with meals.
Demonstration outside of SCI Frackville over health care and clean water issues, Sept. 25, 2016. (WW Photo: Joe Piette)
Families subsequently learned that, yes, bottled water was provided with meals — but limited to two a day. The tap water is still murky and discolored. It is still being used for cooking. It is the only water available for showers.
Brown water is a recurring problem, not just at SCI Mahanoy but for the region. Similar complaints over foul smelling brown tap water led to demonstrations outside nearby SCI Frackville and Mahanoy in 2016. Participants at those rallies handed out fliers that explained these problems are not just issues for prisoners. The surrounding communities also had dirty water problems.
The land surrounding the prison has been subject to mountain top removal mining for anthracite coal. Anthracite mining and processing are still ongoing in the area. Processing this type of coal releases large amounts of coal ash that persists in the environment. Coal ash poses serious health risks when ingested or inhaled, with risks escalating with chronic exposure.
An environmentalist incarcerated at SCI Mahanoy speculates that the current water problem may also be the result of recent construction work on prison grounds.
This recurring problem must be addressed. Prison officials need to immediately investigate these reports and provide all prisoners with an adequate supply of bottled water for drinking and access to clean water for showering and personal use. Action is needed to resolve the underlying cause.
Water is needed for life and as such is considered a basic human right!
