Senator Calls For Accountability After Contractor Flees Scene Of Main Break

A state lawmaker is providing residents with instructions on how to file complaints after a multi-day boil water advisory caused by a utility contractor who allegedly fled the scene of a water main break.

State Sen. Frank Farry, a Republican, issued a letter to constituents last week on the Feb. 28 water main break at the intersection of North Pine Street (Route 413) and Winchester Avenue in Langhorne Borough.

The break was caused by a contractor performing road work and disrupted service to more than 100 homes. It also undermined the roadway.

Farry, who also serves as Langhorne-Middletown Fire Company chief, wrote he was driving by the site shortly after the pipe was struck and saw that no one was on-site to manage the incident.

“I contacted Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority (BCWSA) and the 911 Center,” Farry said. “Neither of them had been contacted by the contractor.”

Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority crews responded and restored water by the next morning, but the boil water advisory remained in place for several days.

The boil water advisory impacted homes in Langhorne Borough and Middletown Township, including North Pine Street, East Winchester Avenue, East Watson Avenue, Penns Avenue, and Valley View Road.

Some residents outside of the boil water advisory boundary reported discolored water.

The senator’s office has since consulted with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) to confirm the investigation process.

According to Farry, the nonprofit Pennsylvania One Call is responsible for notifying the PUC, which then handles the matter.

“Residents can add their own complaint via the Pennsylvania One Call website,” Farry said, noting that his staff is available to assist those who need help with the filing.

The Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority is filing documentation with the PUC and is seeking reimbursement from the unnamed contractor for the cost of the emergency repairs, Farry’s office said.

The state senator said he supported 2024 legislation designed to increase penalties for contractors who violate the Pennsylvania One Call system and expand safety authority.

“Those changes in the law were to address situations like this incident that we just experienced,” he said.