Boil water advisory lifted for nearly 100,000 Pennsylvania American Water customers
A boil-water advisory that had been in effect for nearly 100,000 Pennsylvania American Water customers across Washington and Allegheny counties was lifted on Monday after a second set of water samples tested negative for bacterial contamination.
Pennsylvania American Water said in a media release on Monday morning that "acceptable test results were obtained from samples collected on Feb. 7, 2026, and Feb. 8, 2026," and "the issue has been resolved."
Governmental regulations require a second negative test result before the boil water advisory can be lifted.
Water main break disrupts service for thousands of customers
A water main break in Elrama, Washington County, on Friday night contributed to the advisory.
Pennsylvania American Water said early Saturday morning that the advisory was issued because a power surge depleted water storage at the tank near the Aldrich Water Treatment plant in Elrama, and that a loss of water pressure could have caused contamination in the system through backflow or back siphonage.
The Elrama Volunteer Fire Company of Union Township said there was a 48-inch water main break around 11:30 p.m. on Friday that happened in front of their station. A spokesperson from Pennsylvania American confirmed to KDKA-TV that the break was related to their advisory that was issued.
Dozens of families say they still don't have water
The boil advisory may have been lifted, but dozens of families say they still don't have water.
While repairs continue, neighbors are stepping up to make sure elderly residents aren't left without help.
Even without running water in their own homes, good neighbors have been delivering cases of water provided by Pennsylvania American Water to neighbors who can't get out.
"They went above and beyond to put water at our municipal building. But our municipal building is in Finelyville, two miles away. These people don't drive, and it's cold, it's freezing," Tammy Wazny said.
The people Wazny is helping are among the most vulnerable. The elderly, including several in their 90s, and others with serious medical needs, are all still without running water.
"We want to make sure everyone is OK and has water. I have been putting it on Facebook, and I said, 'If anybody needs anything, call me, and we'll run and grab it.' Luckily, we're able to do that," Wazny said.
The water company relayed to KDKA-TV that water will likely be restored by Tuesday afternoon.
