Covington Township
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WELCOME TO
​Covington Township

Located in Tioga County Pennsylvania.

​
​Regular Office Hours: Monday - Thursday  8:00A - 4:00P
Covington Township
Tioga County, PA
Office Hours: Monday - Thursday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Zoning Office Hours: Monday - Thursday 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
​(570) 659-5439
Physical Address:
114 East Hill Road
Covington, PA 16917
Mailing Address:
PO Box 253
Covington, PA 16917
Important Notices & Announcements
  • ​Regular township meetings are held the 2nd Monday of the month, with the exception of our January Organizational meeting being held the 1st Monday.​
  • UTRRA Water Authority Meetings (Public) are currently being held the 2nd Thursday of the month, at the Covington Township building.
  • Road notices, weather-related updates, and emergency announcements will be posted here when applicable.
  • Residents are encouraged to review permitting information before submitting an application/payment.​

Notices / Announcement

UPPER TIOGA RIVER REGIONAL AUTHORITY (UTRRA)
COMMUNITY INFORMATION HANDOUT

Providing Safe, Reliable Water for Our Communities
Project Overview:
The Upper Tioga River Regional Authority (UTRRA) was formed by Covington, Putnam, and Richmond Townships, in partnership with Blossburg Borough, to bring safe, dependable, potable water to area residents and businesses.

While many residents currently rely on private wells, testing has shown that a majority of local wells contain bacterial or mineral contamination. In addition, the area currently lacks fire hydrants, leaving fire departments dependent on tanker trucks or river water.

The new system will:
  • Provide clean, reliable drinking water to residents and businesses.
  • Support fire protection through new fire hydrants.
  • Encourage future business growth along the Business Route 15 corridor.

Project Details:
Total Pipeline Length: Approximately 10.23 miles
Water Source: Blossburg Water Company, which maintains multiple wells, a surface source, two 1-million-gallon tanks, and backup generators.
Storage: A new 400,000-gallon water tank will be built on East Hill Road in Covington Township to ensure steady pressure and reserve supply.
Water Distribution Building: To be constructed near the Blossburg VFW on N. Williamson Road.
Construction Period: Begins October 2025, with an estimated completion by January 2027.
Contractors:
Greenland Construction – Water storage tank
C&R Construction – Pipeline and distribution building
Engineer: Larson Design Group

Community Benefits:
Reliable Potable Water: Clean, safe drinking water for homes and businesses.
Fire Safety: Installation of fire hydrants for improved emergency response.
Public Health: Elimination of contaminants such as nitrates, bacteria, iron, manganese, and sulfur found in private wells.
Sustainability: Continuous water supply, even during power outages, supported by backup generators.
Economic Growth: Improved infrastructure will attract new businesses and support expansion along Route 15.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
  • Why are we only hearing about the project now?
Since 2016, UTRRA and Blossburg Borough have been working with state and federal agencies to secure funding. Delays due to federal review backlogs and the COVID-19 pandemic slowed progress. In 2024, full funding was secured, allowing construction to begin in 2025.
  • Do I have to connect to the new water system?
Yes. Township ordinances require all residences within 150 feet of the water line to connect to the system. This ensures consistent water quality and fire protection for the community.
  • My well water is fine—why should I connect?
Even if your current well appears clean, groundwater quality can change quickly. Hooking up to the public system guarantees:
  1. Continuous access to safe water.
  2. No maintenance costs for pumps or filters.
  3. Added property value for resale.
  • What will it cost to connect?
Connection costs will range between $1,500 and $3,000, depending on distance from your home to the curb box.
Good News: Tap fees are waived for properties within 150 feet of the line.
  • Can I install the connection myself?
Yes, property owners may install their own water line if they are confident in their ability. However, all installations must pass inspection before water service is activated. A list of qualified local contractors is available from UTRRA.
  • What will my monthly bill be?
The estimated average monthly cost will be $65–$70, based on current projections and pending no change orders during construction.

Funding and Support:
USDA Rural Utilities Service:
Loan: $6 million (40 years @ 1.375%)
Grants: $4.2 million + $862,000 (total project cost ≈ $13.1 million)
Tioga County Commissioners: $1 million initial loan (forgiven)
Local Contributions: Blossburg Borough and the three participating Townships
​
Construction Timeline:
Milestone Estimated Date
Construction Start October 2025
Distribution Building Completion Winter 2025–26
Water Tank Construction (East Hill) Spring 2026
Pipeline Installation Fall 2025–Winter 2026
Project Completion January 2027
Homeowner Connections Begin Early 2027

Stay Informed:
Public meetings are held on the
Second Thursday of every month at 6:00 PM
Covington Township Building
Community members are welcome to attend to learn more, ask questions, or share concerns.

Contact Information:
Upper Tioga River Regional Authority (UTRRA)
c/o Blossburg Borough
241 Main Street, Blossburg, PA 16912
(570) 638-2452

In Summary:
The Upper Tioga River Regional Authority Water System Project is a once-in-a-generation investment in public health, safety, and community growth.
It will ensure that our residents have clean water, better fire protection, and reliable service for decades to come.
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ROAD OILING NOTICE
Weather permitting, Covington Township will be applying dust control oil to Township roads on Monday, June 8, 2026, and Tuesday, June 9, 2026.
East Creek Road Notice
East Creek Road is scheduled to receive a Tar & Chip surface treatment later this season. The date for this work has not yet been determined. Dust control oil will be applied first as part of the preparation process. Additional updates will be provided once the Tar & Chip schedule is finalized.
Residents are asked to review the following information prior to the scheduled work:
• Areas where oil is requested must be clearly marked with a flag or post visible from the roadway. Paint markings are not acceptable, as they may wash away during inclement weather. If an area is not properly marked, the driver may apply oil based on visible reference points rather than the resident's intended location.
• Oil allocations may not be shared between neighboring properties. If a resident chooses not to receive oil, that allocation cannot be transferred to another property.
• Freshly applied oil requires adequate drying time. Residents should avoid traveling on newly oiled roads whenever possible. Minimum drying time is approximately two hours, depending on weather conditions.
• If motorists encounter the oil truck and are able to safely use an alternate route, they are encouraged to do so. If travel on a freshly oiled road is unavoidable, motorists should drive slowly and avoid turning tires unnecessarily to prevent damage to the road surface.
• Covington Township is not responsible for oil that may come into contact with vehicles. Mineral Spirits may be used to remove oil residue without damaging vehicle paint.
• The Township does not provide oil applications for private driveways or private roads. Residents may contact Midland Asphalt directly regarding private applications; however, the Township cannot guarantee service availability.
• Residents are asked to avoid tearing up road surfaces after dust oil has been applied. Dust oil is applied several weeks before tar and chip work, and preserving the road surface during this period helps ensure the success of future maintenance operations.
Please note that certain roads will not receive oil this year due to previous tar and chip treatments.
Covington Township appreciates the cooperation of all residents as we continue our annual road maintenance program.

♻️ Recycling Program Reminder
Covington Township provides 24/7 recycling dumpsters for residents.
Important reminders:
  • Dumpsters are for RECYCLING ONLY
  • No household trash is permitted
  • Each dumpster is clearly marked with accepted materials
  • The recycling area is monitored by 24/7 video surveillance
Improper use or abuse of the recycling program may result in the removal of this service.
Dumpsters are scheduled to be emptied on Wednesdays.
If dumpsters are full and the Township Office is open, please notify office staff.

Thank you for helping keep this program available for the community.
​

⚠️ Stream & Flooding Concerns in Covington Township & Tioga County
Flooding from rivers, creeks, and streams continues to cause serious damage across Covington Township and Tioga County, including loss of farmland and private property. This issue has persisted for years, and our communities need action.
Local farmers have taken significant steps to reduce runoff. What is still needed is the ability to clear debris from streams to reduce flooding and prevent further damage.
If you or someone you know has experienced property loss due to flooding, please consider contacting Greg Vitali, Chairman of the House Environmental and Natural Resource Protection Committee, at 717-787-7647 and respectfully encourage him to advance Senate Bill 403 and House Bill 327.
Additional background is available in an op-ed by Gene Yaw:
https://tinyurl.com/3jvredm3

Covington Township – UCC Code Enforcement & Floodplain Administration Update
​

Covington Township has appointed an additional certified third-party agency to administer and enforce the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (UCC) within the Township.
Effective immediately, residents and contractors may choose between ERB Inspections and Code Assessment Professionals for UCC-related services, including plan review, building permits, inspections, and certificates of occupancy for projects not located within designated flood hazard areas.
For projects located within identified floodplain areas, all floodplain administration and UCC enforcement must be conducted by Code Assessment Professionals, the Township’s designated floodplain administrator.
All applicants are reminded that required Township approvals—including zoning permits, sewage approvals, and any other applicable local permits—must be obtained prior to the issuance of a building permit by any third-party agency.
For assistance in determining which agency to contact or to verify whether a property is located within a floodplain, please contact the Township office.

🌲 Fun & Interesting Facts About Covington Township
Covington Township is a scenic, rural community located in Tioga County, Pennsylvania. It was first settled in 1801 and officially incorporated in 1815, making it one of the longstanding townships in the region.
🧭 Geography & Community
  • The township covers a land area of about 36.4 square miles, the vast majority of which is forested or rural land.
  • Much of the south-central township lies within the Tioga State Forest, offering residents and visitors opportunities for hiking, hunting, and outdoor recreation.
  • Small villages and communities within the township, like Cherry Flats, add to its small-town charm.
👥 Population Snapshot
As of the 2020 U.S. Census, the township had a population of 1,031 residents, reflecting its peaceful and close-knit community character.
🏛️ Notable People
  • John Patton, who served as a U.S. Congressman, is one notable individual associated with the township.
🌿 Outdoor Lifestyle
Because of its wide open spaces and proximity to Pennsylvania’s forests and trails, Covington Township is a favorite for nature lovers, hunters, and anyone who enjoys rural living with easy access to outdoor activities. 

Community Photo Slideshow
Our homepage slideshow features photos from Covington Township’s past and present, celebrating the people, places, and history that make our community special.
If you have photos you would like to see featured on the Township website, please email them to the Township Secretary at
📧 [email protected]
Submitted photos may include historical images, community events, or scenic views within Covington Township.

⚠️ Call Before You Dig
State law requires that anyone planning to dig or excavate must contact the 
Pennsylvania One Call System before beginning any work.
📞 Call 811 or
🌐 Visit www.paonecall.org
Calling 811 helps prevent damage to underground utilities and protects public safety.
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