Boil water advisory issued for over 40k residents in Cumberland, York counties - PennLive

Boil water advisory issued for over 40k residents in Cumberland, York counties - pennlive.com

Pennsylvania American Water issued a boil water advisory Friday night for customers served by their Mechanicsburg system, following a water main break.

Approximately 42,000 customers in Camp Hill, Lemoyne, New Cumberland, Shiremanstown, West Fairview and Wormleysburg boroughs, East Pennsboro, Hampden, Lower Allen and Silver Spring townships are under the advisory.

Parts of Middlesex and Upper Allen townships in Cumberland County as well as portions of Fairview and Newberry townships in York County are also affected.

The advisory comes after the system experienced a water pressure drop caused by a main break, the company said.

Pennsylvania American Water recommends bringing all water to a rolling boil, letting it boil for one minute and then allowing it to cool before use. Bottled water is also a safe alternative during the advisory. Affected customers should use boiled or bottled water for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth and food preparation while the advisory is in place.

Inadequately treated water could contain bacteria, viruses and parasites, which can cause nausea, cramps, diarrhea and headaches, the water company’s release said.

People at increased risk, such as pregnant women, some elderly and people with compromised immune systems, should reach out to their health care advisors about drinking the water under the advisory.

Repairs will start once Pennsylvania American Water locates the main break. The company also plans on collecting and analyzing water samples for bacteria and other contaminants.

For the most recent updates, visit www.pennsylvaniaamwater.com and click on Alerts. Pennsylvania American Water’s customer service center is also available at 800-565-7292.