UPDATED: 12:51 p.m., Friday:
Advertisements
Pennsylvania American Water released the following statement Friday afternoon:
The boil water advisory remains in effect for all Pennsylvania American Water customers in Yardley, Lower Makefield Township, and portions of Falls Township. At this time, we are unable to provide an estimate of when the boil advisory will be lifted. Pennsylvania American Water’s team of water quality and operations experts continue to investigate the situation to determine the cause of the issue, resulting in higher levels of turbidity that exceeded the regulatory standard of 1.7NTU. We continue to coordinate our efforts with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to correct the problem. Water tankers remain in place for all customers at the following locations. Customers are asked to provide their own containers when visiting a tanker for drinking water.
Pennsylvania American Water said they will put updates out via media outlets, their website, and customers can contact their customer service center at 1-800-565-7292.
Advertisements
Original Story:
The boil water advisory issued by Pennsylvania American Water remained in effect as of late-morning Friday.
Advertisements
What Caused The Advisory?
Officials from Pennsylvania American Water noticed while monitoring their water that the turbidity level seemed higher than normal on Thursday. The level was 1.7 ntu, which is above the regulatory standard. Shortly after, a boil water advisory was issued due to concerns that the higher levels of turbidity could mean there is an increased risk of disease-causing organisms.
The turbidity of water has to do with its cloudiness and how many suspended solids are in the supply.
Advertisements
The boil water advisory issued Thursday evening impacts all customers in Lower Makefield and Yardley Borough. It also impacts a number of customers in Falls Township, mainly above Route 1. Customers served by the Township of Falls Authority and Lower Bucks County Joint Municipal Authority are not impacted.
Pennsylvania American Water spokesperson Terry Maenza said Friday that crews were working to resolve the problem.
Advertisements
The company said an unknown issue changed the water flows to filters at their treatment plant. The change caused a spike in turbidity levels.
Why Did The Schools Close?
Advertisements
The Pennsbury School District announced Thursday night that they would close all schools and offices of Friday due to the boil water advisory. The district operates eight of its 15 schools in the boil advisory zone.
Where Are There Alternate Water Sources?
Advertisements
The boil water advisory is only impacting Pennsylvania American Water customers in Falls Township, Lower Makefield, and Yardley. All other local water providers are not reporting problems and are safe to drink.
Pennsylvania American Water has set up potable water tanker trucks at the Yardley Makefield Fire Company stations at 105 South Main Street in Yardley and 652 Stony Hill Road in Lower Makefield, the Big Oak Shopping Center at 1641 Big Oak Road in Lower Makefield, the Village Market at 599 Washington Crossing Road in Lower Makfield, and Gas Light Village at 85 Makefield Road in Falls Township.
Pennsylvania American Water said they will put updates out via media outlets, their website, and customers can contact their customer service center at 1-800-565-7292.
Advertisements
