More than 4,600 customers in Pittsburgh’s North Side affected by a “flush and boil” water order this week likely will be able to resume consuming their household water as usual by Thursday, officials said.
The precautionary order remained in place Wednesday while water quality officials waited on the results from samples collected the day before, PWSA spokeswoman Mora McLaughlin told the Tribune-Review.
“We have to complete two consecutive rounds of testing to confirm to residents and our regulators that there is no contaminant issue,” McLaughlin said.
Officials said they issued the order “out of an abundance of caution” to ensure the area’s water was safe following an hours-long drop in pressure caused by the main break.
The line that split was 97 years old.
The order calls on affected customers first to flush water by letting it run from a faucet for at least 60 seconds to eradicate any loose particulates from lead pipes.
PWSA customers also can access a water buffalo stationed at Brighton Road and Woods Run Avenue.
Symptoms caused by bacteria in drinking water can include diarrhea, cramps, nausea and headaches.
Natasha Lindstrom is a Tribune-Review staff writer.
You can contact Natasha at 412-380-8514, nlindstrom@tribweb.com or via Twitter @NewsNatasha.