Pennsylvania American Water issues 48-hour boil water advisory for 55+ communities, estimated 100,000 customers

From WTAE, Action 4 News, November 6, 2017

BETHEL PARK, Pa. — Pennsylvania American Water has issued a 48-hour boil water advisory for 55 communities in Allegheny and Washington counties. An estimated 100,000 customers are affected. (See the list of communities below).

The advisory was issued as a precaution due to high levels of turbidity at the Elrama water treatment plant, according to PAWC. (The Elrama plant draws water from the Monongahela River a mile south of the Elizabeth bridge over the river on PA Route 51. Clairton is the next community downstream.)

The advisory applies only to drinking and cooking, not bathing or washing clothes.

Residents of impacted communities should bring all water to a boil, let it boil for one minute, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water.

Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further notice. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water.

The advisory was issued as a precaution due to high levels of turbidity at the Elrama water treatment plant, according to PAWC.

According to PAWC, turbidity has no health effects. However, turbidity can interfere with disinfection and provide a medium for microbial growth. Turbidity may indicate the presence of disease-causing organisms. These organisms include bacteria, viruses, and parasites, which can cause symptoms such nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches.

People with severely compromised immune systems, infants, and some elderly may be at increased risk. These people should seek advice from their health care providers about drinking water.

Turbidity is the cloudiness or haziness of a fluid caused by suspended solids that are usually invisible to the naked eye. It is a key test of water quality.

The full list of communities is as follows:

Allegheny County --- Bethel Park, Clairton, Dravosburg, Elizabeth Township, Elizabeth Borough, Glassport, Jefferson, Jefferson Hills Borough, Liberty, Lincoln, North Fayette, South Fayette, South Park, Upper Saint Clair, West Elizabeth

Washington County --- Amwell, Avella, Buffalo, Burgettstown, Canton, Canonsburg, Carroll Township, Cecil Township, Chartiers, City of Washington, Claysville, Cross Creek, Donegal Township, East Washington, Fallowfield, Finleyville, Frankfort Springs, Forward Township, Green Hills Borough, Independence, Hanover, Hopewell, Houston, Jefferson, McDonald, McMurray, , Midway, Monongahela, Mount Pleasant, New Eagle, North Franklin, North Strabane, Nottingham, Peters Township, Robinson Township, Smith Township, Somerset Township, South Franklin, South Strabane, Union Township, West Middletown

WATER BUFFALO LOCATIONS:

Bethel Park Community Center: 5151 Park Ave., Bethel Park, PA 15102
Canonsburg Dam parking lot: McDowell Rd., McMurray, PA 15317
Canonsburg United Presbyterian Church: 112 W. Pike St., Canonsburg, PA 15317
Carroll Township Volunteer FireDepartment: 988 Route 837, Monongahela, PA 15063
Elrama Volunteer Fire Company: 17 Elrama Ave., Elrama, PA 15038
North StrabaneFire Department: 2550 Washington Rd., Canonsburg, PA 15317
South Fayette Township Library: 515 Millers Run Rd., Morgan, PA 15064
South Park Township Library: 2575 Brownsville Rd., South Park Township, PA 15129
Upper St. Clair Community & Recreation Center: 1551 Mayview Rd., Upper St. Clair, PA 15241

Source : http://www.wtae.com/article/pennsylvania-american-water-issues-48-hour-boil-water-advisory-for-bethel-park-residents/13439076