Matthew Barrasso, Falsifying Water Test Results, Pennsylvania 2019

Matthew Barrasso, 43, of Mohnton, owner of Barrasso Excavation Inc., was arrested June 7, 2019, on charges of falsifying drinking water test results in Berks and Lancaster Counties. The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General accuses him of altering lab reports to hide dangerous contaminants in newly installed water mains, exposing dozens of households to potential health risks.

According to the criminal complaint, in June 2017, Barrasso Excavation replaced a water main in Wyomissing Borough. Instead of reporting accurate test results, Barrasso allegedly changed lab data to show negative results for total coliform and E. coli—bacteria that indicate fecal contamination and can cause serious illness. Based on the falsified reports, officials connected the new water line to the main distribution system, serving about 40 homes.

The same misconduct allegedly occurred in Quarryville, Lancaster County, where Barrasso again submitted doctored water sample results. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection referred the case to the Attorney General’s Office after uncovering discrepancies in the lab data, triggering a criminal investigation into the contractor’s practices.

Barrasso now faces multiple felony and misdemeanor charges, including Tampering with Public Records, violating the Safe Drinking Water Act, Forgery, and Unsworn Falsification. The charges were filed before Magisterial District Judge Steven Chieffo in Berks County District Court. He could face years in prison if convicted on all counts.

Attorney General Josh Shapiro called the actions a direct attack on public health. “Pennsylvanians have a constitutional right to pure water—and I will do everything in my power to defend that right,” Shapiro said. “This defendant recklessly changed lab results to lie about the quality of drinking water for dozens of households, putting their health at risk.”

The case is being prosecuted by Chief Deputy Attorney General Rebecca Franz. It marks another aggressive move by Shapiro’s office to crack down on environmental crimes. In February 2019, the AG filed 161 criminal charges against the Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority over failure to notify residents of lead pipe replacements. The message is clear: tampering with public water systems will not be tolerated.

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