Chichester School District cancels classes Friday due to boil water advisory affecting multiple neighborhoods
A water main break Thursday night has prompted a boil water advisory and forced the Chichester School District to cancel classes Friday.
Chester Water Authority said the water main break happened at an active construction zone along U.S. Route 322 near Cherry Road in Upper Chichester Township. Chopper 3 was over the scene in Delaware County and saw crews working to fix the water main break.
Chester Water Authority said in a Facebook post that a boil water advisory is in effect for these neighborhoods:
- Upper Chichester
- Lower Chichester
- Marcus Hook
- Twin Oaks
"CWA understands the disruption the water main break has caused for our customers and the community," Darryl Jenkins, the executive manager of Chester Water Authority, said in a statement. "Our crews and partners are working tirelessly to resolve the issue as quickly and safely as possible. We appreciate the public's patience and cooperation as we restore service."
CWA said the boil water advisory is a precautionary measure. No contamination has been confirmed, but residents should boil their water before they drink it, make ice, brush their teeth, wash dishes, or prepare food, CWA said.
A speciality contractor is on the scene of the water main break and working to resolve the issue, according to CWA. Customers in Upper Chichester, Lower Chichester, Marcus Hook and Twin Oaks, might experience low to no water pressure as the main break affects the area. CWA said it anticipates partial service to restored by the end of the day on Friday.
The Chichester School District said it decided to cancel classes Friday based on the information it received from CWA about the water main break. The water main break forced the district to dismiss early Thursday.
"This requirement makes it impossible for us to serve breakfast or lunch in a safe or sanitary manner," the Chichester School District said in a statement. "Due to these reasons, schools and offices will be closed. With the extra snow day we have built into our schedule, we will not need to make this day up. Have a great spring break."
CWA said it met with Delaware County Emergency Management Members Thursday evening address public safety concerns and work with local fire departments.
"Measures have been put in place to ensure that firefighting capabilities are not compromised," CWA said.
People affected by the water main break can get clean water at two different water filling stations in Upper Chichester and Marcus Hook. The Upper Chichester station is at the Upper Chichester Township Municipal Building on Furey Road, while the other is at the Marcus Hook Borough Administrative Office on Market Street.