Pennsylvania American Water routinely monitors the conditions in the distribution system. Late last night, we experienced a loss of positive water pressure due to a main break in West Caln Township along Route 340. A loss of positive water pressure is a signal of the existence of conditions that could allow contamination to enter the distribution system through back-flow by back pressure or back siphonage. As a result, we are issuing a boil water advisory for customers in the affected area.
This notice applies to a customer population of approximately 1,344 that reside north and west of the intersection of Sandy Hill Road and West Kings Highway.
For a map of the affected area, visit https://alertsdetail.awapps.com/alert/23460.
DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST. Bring all water to a rolling boil, let it boil for one minute, and cool before using; or use bottled water. You should use boiled or bottled water for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth and food preparation until further notice.
Inadequately treated water may contain disease-causing organisms. These organisms include bacteria, viruses and parasites, which can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea and associated headaches.
These symptoms, however, are not caused only by organisms in drinking water, but also by other factors. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice.
Guardians of infants and young children and people at increased risk, such as pregnant women, some of the elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems, should seek advice from their health care advisors about drinking this water. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.
What happened? What is being done?
Pennsylvania American Water is working to repair the main break. The company is also collecting and analyzing additional water quality samples including bacteria samples.
We will inform you when the corrective actions have been completed and you no longer need to boil your water. For more information, visit www.pennsylvaniaamwater.com, and select Alerts, or contact Pennsylvania American Water’s customer service center at 800-565-7292.
