PRESS RELEASE FROM PWSA, 16 Feb 2019
Pittsburgh, PA – Pittsburgh, PA – The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA) experienced a break on a section of a 16″ water main on the Duck Hollow Trail in Hazelwood at approximately 9:30 p.m. last night, February 15th. This caused low and no water pressure in portions of Hazelwood, Swisshelm Park, and a small portion of Greenfield.
The main break was isolated, and the pressure was restored at approximately 12:30 a.m. on February 16th. 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 2,000 households, for the impacted neighborhoods highlighted in the map below. Water buffaloes will be placed today at the following locations for for affected customers:
- Homestead Street at Commercial Street (Pittsburgh Fire Bureau Station #19)
- Flowers Avenue at Gertrude Street (Pittsburgh Fire Bureau Station #13)
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 (on the linked map, blue indicates the area affected by the flush and boil water advisory).
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 on the www.pgh2o.com homepage.
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 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.