Boil water advisory issued in Catasauqua
CATASAUQUA, Pa. — The Borough of Catasauqua issued a boil water advisory Saturday for all residents and businesses due to a loss of water pressure caused by electrical and mechanical pump failure.
The advisory is expected to remain in effect through at least the beginning of the week.
Borough Manager Glenn Eckhart said the borough experienced a power outage, which caused the water system to lose pressure. Although a generator kicked in, sometime around 8 to 8:15 a.m., the water plant began to lose pressure and stopped feeding water into the distribution system.
An auxiliary pump was activated around 9:15 a.m., which stabilized the system and restored pressure. However, because the water lines had briefly lost pressure, sediment and air entered the system, resulting in brown water and air pockets throughout the lines.
No water main breaks or contamination has been identified. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has required a boil water advisory until three rounds of daily water quality tests confirm the system is safe. Testing will begin Sunday morning.
“There was not a break anywhere,” Eckhart said. “So there should be no contaminants whatsoever. But as a precaution, the DEP asked us to do a boil alert until we can do testing.”
The borough is using RAVE Mobile Safety, a mass notification platform, to call and alert community members. They also have a news release on the borough website.
Residents are advised not to drink tap water without boiling it first. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes and preparing food.
The drop in water pressure increases the risk of disease-causing organisms entering the water supply. These organisms can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea and headaches. Infants, young children, some elderly individuals and people with compromised immune systems may be at higher risk.
“This is just precautionary,” Eckhard said. “We don’t believe there were any breaks. It’s sediment in the pipes being stirred up.”
The borough is working to repair the issue and restore pressure. Residents will be notified through a public notice when the advisory is lifted.
For more information, contact:
Glenn Eckhart, borough manager
484-725-8985
