Mandatory water conservation order lifted for 70,000 Pennsylvania American Water customers

About 70,000 Pennsylvania American Water customers in Allegheny, Washington and Beaver counties were briefly under a mandatory water conservation order on Thursday. 

Pennsylvania American Water said it needed to maintain water supply and pressure while it worked to resolve an "unexpected electrical issue" at the Aldrich Water Treatment Plant. The notice was lifted shortly before 3:30 p.m.

Where was the water conservation order in effect?

Customers in communities like Bethel Park, South Fayette, South Park, Hanover, Canonsburg, Washington, McDonald and Peters were asked to limit their water use, reducing it by 10% to 15%. 

The utility said customers can conserve water by running their dishwashers and laundry machines when they're full. Turning the tap off while brushing teeth or washing dishes can save water. Customers are also encouraged to check for leaks. 

Pennsylvania American Water said it informed customers through its automated emergency notification system. 

"Our teams are working diligently to repair the electrical issue and restore normal operations as quickly as possible," the company said in a press release.