Pittsburgh, PA - The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA) experienced a 20-inch water main break impacting the Garfield Tank system on Friday, March 24th. The leak was isolated at approximately 2:00 p.m. to allow repairs to be performed. When the leak was isolated storage tank levels continued to drop, resulting in some customers in the service area to experience a loss of positive pressure in portions of the following neighborhoods:
- Garfield
- Central Lawrenceville
- East Liberty
- Highland Park
- Morningside
- Stanton Heights
- Upper Lawrenceville
When there is a water pressure loss, contaminants can enter the drinking water. When water pressure is restored, in an abundance of caution, PWSA is issuing a precautionary boil water advisory to a limited area, approximately 4,400 households, for the impacted neighborhoods highlighted in the map below. Water buffaloes will be placed at the following locations for affected customers:
- Oranmore Street at Somerville Street
- Cornwall Street at N. Atlantic Avenue
More water buffalos will be placed soon, we will update customers with additional locations at pgh2o.com/boilwater.
Crews are working around the clock to make full repairs. We 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.
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.
