Palmerton residents raise concerns over leaky valve

A Palmerton resident is worried about possible underground damage caused by a leaking water valve at the intersection of Charles Street and Edgemont Avenue.

Paul Snyder, who lives on Charles Street, said that his wife, Diane, first noticed the leaky valve. He wasn’t worried when she pointed it out; he assumed it would be fixed in no time. That was a little over a month ago.

“Over time, I realized ‘this isn’t being fixed,’ ” Snyder said.

Snyder reported the leak to the borough a little over a week ago. He received a call back on Monday, when he was told the leak would be fixed the next day. Not long after receiving that news, a message in Snyder’s voicemail informed him that an unforeseen complication would delay the repair.

While the leaking isn’t major, Snyder said he worries about the damage it may be causing underneath the surface, especially in such close proximity to his residence.

“I don’t know what damage it’s doing under the street,” Snyder said.

“It might be a very minor leak,” he added, “but even if it’s minor, it’s still flowing, and minor leaks still cause issues over time.”

When contacted Wednesday, the borough said that it is aware of the leak.

William Gallagher, a Palmerton Borough council member who chairs the sewer, solid waste and water committee could not be immediately reached for comment.