Following the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, water authorities across the country restricted access to reservoirs in an effort to secure the nation's water supply. Two of those lakes -- Oneida and Thorn -- are located in Butler County.

Last Friday, Pennsylvania American Water reopened those water-supply reservoirs to fishing with a "first cast" celebration that included anglers and local dignitaries.

Lake Oneida, which includes 142 acres of lake and shoreline property, and Lake Thorn, 40 acres of lake and property, are among the water sources for 11 municipalities in the Butler district. Water is also acquired from the Allegheny River and Connoquenessing Creek.

"After the terror attacks, the company joined other water suppliers around the country in helping to prevent possible attacks on the nation's water supply," said Gary Lobaugh, manager of external affairs for Pennsylvania American Water. "Since then, we've worked with the Department of Homeland Security, Environmental Protection Agency and Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission to help determine risks and develop security recommendations for the water industry."

Lobaugh said 24-hour monitoring of the lake area and water supply, conducted through some still-secret means with the help of PFBC and other agencies, now enables them to "ensure the safety of our water supply and enhance the reservoirs' aquatic resources."

"We all understand the importance of protecting our water resources from possible tampering," said Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission vice chairman Tyrone J. Christy, in a prepared statement. "We also must be mindful of the importance that locations such as Oneida Dam play in the community ... a place where the neighbors can come for inexpensive recreation."

The lakes are located off Rt. 38 northeast of Butler. Access to the lakes is limited to shore fishing only -- no wading or boating is permitted -- and areas near intake equipment remain restricted. Fishing is permitted between dawn and dusk, all PFBC regulations apply and new parking areas are in service. Fish Commission game-species surveys showed the lakes contain largemouth bass, yellow perch, rock bass, crappies, catfish, bluegills and sunfish, and the lakes also contain various forage fish, amphibians and turtles.

One of the new security measures, a dedicated phone line, has been set up to report suspicious or illegal behavior: 866-808-4219.