About 16,000 Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County water customers in McKeesport, Port Vue and Versailles Borough will have to continue boiling drinking water through Tuesday due to a microbial contamination alert, officials said.
While the mechanical problem at the McKeesport Water Treatment Plant has been fixed, the authority is required by the state Department of Environmental Protection to complete tests on the water before the advisory can be lifted, according to authority spokesman Matthew Junker.
Junker said the authority had to wait until between 1 and 2 p.m. Monday to complete the tests “in order to allow the system a chance to completely refill.”
“That test will take about 24 hours to obtain the result. Once we receive that result, then we’re required to complete a second test (before the advisory can be lifted),” Junker said.
A loss of water pressure due to mechanical issues occurred Saturday at the plant, which draws water from the Youghiogheny River.
The issue 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, according to the authority.
The water that is not treated adequately may contain disease-causing organisms that can cause nausea, cramps, diarrhea and associated headaches.
The water treatment plant was shut down while its intake pump was rebuilt.
The authority is recommending customers only use water if absolutely necessary.
The water should be boiled for one minute and then cooled before using for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth and food preparation.
White Oak is under a mandatory conservation order until the issue is resolved, the authority said.
Drinking 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.
Port Vue water locations are at 304 Gumbert St. and 1515 Washington Blvd.
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 provider about drinking the water.
For more information, contact the Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County at 724 755-5800.
