Residents in McKeesport, Port Vue and Versailles Borough are being warned to boil their water before drinking because of a microbial contamination, the Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County said Sunday.
The problem affects more than 16,000 customers, who are being asked to conserve water during the emergency.
Residents in those communities should bring the water to boil for one minute and let it cool before using for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth, and food preparation until further notice, the authority said.
White Oak is under a mandatory conservation order until the issue is resolved, the authority said.
Water is available at 238 Atlantic Ave.; the intersections of Walnut and Juniper; Walnut and 12th; and McKeesport Hospital. It’s also available in White Oak at 2280 Lincoln Way and 1612 Lincoln Way, the authority said Sunday morning.
Port Vue water locations are at 304 Gumbert St. and 1515 Washington Blvd.
Michael Kukura, the authority’s resident manager, said Saturday night that customers should only use water if absolutely necessary.
The water that is not treated adequately water may contain disease-causing organisms that can cause nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches.
A loss of water pressure due to mechanical issues occurred Saturday at the McKeesport Water Treatment Plant that draws water from the Youghiogheny River.
That signaled the possibility of a condition that allows bacteria to enter the distribution system through back-flow by back-siphonage, increasing the chance the water may contain disease-causing organisms.
The water treatment plant is shut down while its intake pump is rebuilt, which is expected to be finished Sunday.
Once the issue is fixed, water tests will need to be conducted prior to lifting this advisory.
Parents of infants and young children and people at increased risk, such as pregnant women, some elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems, should seek advice from their health care advisors about drinking this water.
For more information, contact the Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County at 724 755-5800.
