Pittsburgh, PA - The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA) experienced a power outage impacting a pump station at approximately 2:00 a.m. this morning, February 12th. This caused low and no water pressure in portions of the following neighborhoods:
- Bloomfield
- East Liberty
- Friendship
- Garfield
- Highland Park
- Homewood North
- Morningside
- North Point Breeze
- Point Breeze
- Shadyside
- South Oakland
- Swisshelm Park
Water pressure in the system was restored at approximately 5:00 a.m. When there is a water pressure loss, contaminants can enter the drinking water. In an abundance of caution, PWSA is issuing a precautionary boil water advisory to a limited area, approximately 6,117 households, for the impacted neighborhoods highlighted in the map below. Water buffaloes will be placed at the following locations for affected customers:
- Bloomfield: 477 S. Atlantic Avenue
- Highland Park: N. Negley Avenue at Bryant Street
- Morningside: Morningside Avenue at Duffield Street
- North Point Breeze: N. Lang Avenue at Park Lane Drive
- Shadyside: Howe Street at College Street
- South Oakland: Dawson Street at Holmes Place
- Swisshelm Park: Onondago Street, near Swisshelm Playground
PWSA will conduct 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 boil water. However, the advisory is issued to ensure the safety of our water and customers.
How to Boil Water
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:
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.
Customers in this service area are being advised to boil their 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 homepage at www.pgh2o.com 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.