HELLERTOWN, Pa. — Residents in Hellertown are being advised to boil their water or use bottled water following a major water main break Thursday that disrupted service across much of the borough.
The Hellertown Borough Authority announced the advisory around 3:45 p.m. Thursday after experiencing what it described as a “significant” break in the system.
According to David Busch, interim executive director for the authority, a 14-inch line at the Steel Club golf course failed, causing a large leak that the borough’s spring and pumps couldn’t keep up with. As a result, water pressure dropped and several customers, particularly those at higher elevations, temporarily lost service.
Busch said the leak occurred in an area with little activity, making it difficult to locate at first. Once the source was found, crews were able to isolate the damaged section, allowing the system to refill.
By about 9:45 p.m. Thursday, most residents had water service restored, though roughly 40 homes remained without service late into the night. Busch said those remaining customers should have water once repairs are completed.
Parts needed to complete the repair were expected to arrive Friday, with installation planned to begin immediately.
Because of the loss of positive pressure in portions of the system, the borough issued a precautionary boil water advisory. Residents are urged to boil water before drinking it, cooking with it or using it for brushing teeth.
The Hellertown Borough Authority said it will continue to monitor water quality and notify residents once the advisory is lifted.
