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Public Works

Show All Answers

1. What is that white stuff in my coffeepot, on my showerhead, and glass shower door?

Minerals dissolved in water tend to settle out when water is heated or evaporates. These minerals are white and accumulate in coffeepots and on showerheads. To remove these minerals, fill the coffeepot with vinegar and let sit overnight, or soak showerhead in a plastic bowl of vinegar.

2. What is hard water?

“Hardness” in drinking water is caused by two harmless chemicals (usually called minerals) - calcium and magnesium.
It is called hardness because if calcium and magnesium are present in your water, making a lather or suds for washing is “hard” (difficult) to do. Thus, cleaning with hard water is hard.

3. Should I install a home-water treatment device?

This is a personal decision. The devices are not needed to make the water safe because our water does meet federal and state drinking water standards. Some people do, however, complain about their drinking water, particularly, taste.
If taste is important to you, then you might consider a home treatment unit. Carbon water filters remove chlorine and other objectionable tastes and odors. Home filters provide an environment for bacterial to collect and grow, make sure you follow the manufacturer’s guidleines for proper filter maintenance.

4. How is my water tested, and who tests it?

Federal regulations state that all water suppliers must test for bacteria and chemicals a specified number of times each year. The tests for bacteria are the most frequent; 21 samples per month. Federal and state regulations also require that these tests be conducted in Federally certified laboratories using Federally approved methods.

5. Does my water contain fluoride?

Yes, the addition of fluoride to drinking water has greatly improved the dental health of American consumers.

The normal fluoride residual in our water is 1.0 milligrams per liter.

6. Where does my water come from?

The Township purchases all of its water from the Borough of West View, which draws its water from the Ohio River.

The West View water enters Cranberry through two interconnections located in the southern corridor.

7. My water meter is making a clicking sound, what should I do?

This requires a service technician to investigate the problem (at no charge to you). To schedule an inspection, you can contact the Customer Service Center.

Typically noise can be generated from various areas, but most of the time it is the water meter measuring chamber generating the noise. In some instances a meter will need to be replaced at no charge to you.

8. How do I get a temporary water service?

Cranberry Township has a temporary/construction meter service.
Construction Meter Request Form

9. How close to a fire hydrant can I plant trees, shrubs or flowers?

You must keep two feet behind and five feet on both sides clear of the fire hydrant. There can be nothing between the fire hydrant and the street.

10. When will my road be plowed?

1. Main arteries linking development areas to main roads have plowing priority.
2. Housing developments are next:
The township is broken up into plowing districts and there are individual drivers assigned to each district.
It is primarily the discretion of the driver to decide which development or designated area in each district is plowed first. The driver shall use his/her overall knowledge of the area, previous plowing experience, and current road conditions to make that determination.
Housing plans with steep roads are generally given priority under severe conditions.
Because cul-de-sacs in a housing plan are not thruways to the majority of motorists or school students within a development, customarily they are given last priority.

11. What should I do if my mailbox is hit by a snowplow?

Contact the Customer Service Center at
(724) 776-4806.

12. How do I get a stop sign installed?

Answer is found in Public Safety FAQ's.
Public Safety FAQ's

13. Can I get the speed limit reduced on a roadway?

Answer found in Public Safety FAQ's.
Public Safety FAQ's

14. Who regulates the traffic signals?

Answer found in Public Safety FAQ's Public Safety FAQ's

15. When will my road be resurfaced (paved)?

The Public Works Department reviews all Township roads once a year to recommend roads for resurfacing in the summer.
Streets and Properties

16. My road is on the resurfacing list, when will it be paved?

The Township’s Engineer awards the resurfacing contracts and can provide a schedule. The schedule is also on our web page.
Streets and Properties

17. Do I need a permit to pave or repave my driveway?

No permit is required to pave or repave a driveway.

18. Do I need permission to install a utility, sprinkler system or similar objects in Township right-of-way?

Yes, a road opening application should be completed with appropriate drawings attached and reviewed by the Township’s Engineer.

19. I have a site distance problem at an intersection, who do I contact to see if it can be fixed?

. Requests dealing with site distance problems at intersections should be directed to the Township’s Engineer. If the site distance does not meet the requirements, appropriate action will be taken to remedy deficiencies.
Engineering Department

20. Whose responsibility is it to maintain driveway pipes/culverts?

Typically it is the homeowner’s responsibility to maintain driveway pipes/culverts.

21. Whose responsibility is it to maintain drainage ditches?

Generally, it is the homeowner association's responsibility to maintain drainage ditches unless specifically designated as a public or municipal drainage easement.

22. Whose responsibility is it to maintain pipes/culverts underneath roadways?

The owner of the road has the responsibility to maintain pipes/culverts underneath roadways. (i.e., PennDOT would maintain State roadways and the Township maintains Township owned roadways)
In newer plans, where roads have not yet been accepted by the Township, it is the Developer’s responsibility until roads are officially accepted by the Township.

23. Whose responsibility is it to clear debris and/or repair erosion along stream channels?

Responsibility to clear debris and/or repair erosion along stream channels is generally determined on a case by case basis. The Township may perform the maintenance if it may cause and/or is causing significant property damage and/or flooding of structures. The adjacent homeowners would be responsible if it is simply a matter of yard and/or lawn erosion or flooding. Repairs of erosion on large streams may require permits from the State.

24. Whose responsibility is it to maintain street catch basins?

Responsibility to maintain street catch basins belongs to the owner of the road (i.e., PennDOT would maintain State roadways and the Township maintains roadways accepted by the Township). In newer plans, where roads have not yet been accepted by the Township, it is the Developer’s responsibility.

25. Whose responsibility is it to maintain detention facilities?

Detention facilities in residential plans are typically the responsibility of the Homeowners’ Association or the group of homeowners in the plan. Facilities in non-residential areas are typically the responsibility of the private establishments they serve. Developer’s are typically responsible in newly developing plans until they are turned over to the Homeowners’ Association.

26. Who handles stormwater complaints or concerns?

The Public Works Department handles stormwater complaints or concerns.
Public Works Department

27. How can it be determined if there is sewer and/or water on a particular property in Cranberry Township?

The Township’s Engineer can assist in determining if sewer and/or water are available for particular properties.
Engineering Department