Local shops and restaurants navigate costs, caution during Ephrata boil water advisory

A boil water advisory is affecting Ephrata, Ephrata Township, and Clay Township, with the earliest update expected on Saturday, July 25, though the advisory will remain in place until water sample results are reviewed by the Department of Environmental Protection.

Boil water advisory remains in effect

Sierra Hrueochak, owner of Griddle and Grind on West Main Street, said the advisory has raised concerns but stressed the importance of staying open.

“As a small business owner, every day matters. Every day that we open our doors is important,” Hrueochak said.

While some businesses have closed or limited their offerings, Hrueochak is taking precautions by purchasing pre-packaged ice and bottled water.

“You always wanna be cautious, and especially in the food industry, you kind of have to take the extra step to make sure what you’re offering is safe,” she said.

Businesses take extra safety precautions

Blue Ball Brewery is using its brewery tanks to boil water for the next few days, but some residents remain skeptical about dining out during the advisory.

“I was wondering, is that safe to do that? Are they having the same issues? Did they get water? Do they even know?” said Melissa Ellis, a local resident.

Residents question whether dining out is safe

Hrueochak acknowledged the added costs of adapting to the advisory but expressed gratitude for the support of the local business community.

“I’m not used to having to go out in the mornings and buy bags of ice, right, but if we have to do that for the next couple of days, that will cost a bit,” she said.

“It’s nice to know we’re not in it alone and we have our community support in that,” Hrueochak added.