Pittsburgh, PA - On the morning of Saturday, October 17th, The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA) experienced a loss of water pressure caused by damage during T-Mobile construction in the area around the Garfield Tank. This damage caused an interruption in pumping at the Garfield Tank and depleted water pressure at approximately 11:00 a.m. Pump sensors were restored at approximately 1:30 p.m. This resulted in low and no water pressure in portions of high elevation in Garfield and Stanton Heights, pictured below. Robocalls have been placed to notify impacted customers.
When there is a water pressure loss, contaminants can enter the drinking water. In an abundance of caution, PWSA is issuing a precautionary flush and boil water advisory to a limited area, approximately 300 households, for the impacted neighborhoods highlighted in the map below. Water buffaloes for affected customers will be placed at the following locations:
- Engine 7: Intersection of Stanton Avenue at Hawthorne Street
- Near the intersection of North Aiken Avenue at Mossfield Street
PWSA is conducting testing to confirm adequate disinfectant levels and verify that the water is safe to consume.
A searchable map of the impacted area is available here: PWSA Boil Water Area. Any customer who experienced no water service or low pressure in this area today is also encouraged to follow these precautionary measures until further notice. We recognize the inconvenience of having to flush or boil water. However the advisory is issued to ensure the safety of our water and customers.
The advisory applies to water used for consumption. Customers within the impacted area should do the following before using water for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth, and food preparation until further notice.
Residents who do not know if their property has lead water pipes or solder, it is recommended to first flush your lines by running water from your tap for at least one minute before boiling.
- Boil tap water vigorously for at least one minute prior to using it for drinking or cooking (the minute starts when the water begins to bubble). This includes water used for brushing teeth, making ice, washing raw foods, preparation of drinks, and water for pets.
- Wait for the water to cool before using it, or store it in the refrigerator in a clean container.
Boiling kills harmful bacteria in the water that may cause illness. You should throw away ice made during the time the advisory or notice was issued, as freezing does not kill bacteria.
Flushing water brings in fresh water from the main and boiling fresh water kills any bacteria and other organisms that can enter the water. You can also use bottled water. A frequently asked questions document for boiling water can be found at www.pgh2o.com/boilwater .
Customers in this service area are being advised to flush their taps and then boil their fresh water to ensure that drinking water meets or exceeds all state and federal water quality requirements. The boil water advisory will remain in place until further notice. Customers with questions can go to our website at www.pgh2o.com/boilwater or call 412.255.2423.
A searchable map is available here. For more information about the precautionary boil water advisory, please visit our website at www.pgh2o.com or call 412.255.2423.
