PWSA waiting on more test results as boil advisory continues

The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority was waiting on another round of water test results Thursday before it asks state authorities to lift a boil-water advisory for northern neighborhoods.
PWSA announced the advisory late Monday under an order from the state Department of Environmental Protection.
The DEP is concerned about the potential for contamination at the Lanpher Reservoir in Shaler, which serves the city’s North Side along with Millvale and Reserve.
As of 11 p.m. Wednesday, routine water samples taken Monday and Tuesday from the Lanpher service area showed no contaminants, according to PWSA.
“If PWSA maintains acceptable levels of chlorine in the service area, and further sample results to be received late [Thursday] do not detect the presence of contaminants, PWSA will request that DEP lift the boil-water advisory,” the authority said in a statement.
The city also has offered water deliveries to people who can’t boil their own water or reach a water buffalo.
Those in need can dial 311.
For affected residents, the advisory recommends boiling tap water vigorously for at least one minute prior to drinking or cooking.
Residents who don’t know if they have lead water pipes or solder should flush the tap for at least a minute before boiling.
PWSA is relying on large mains to pipe water directly into the Lanpher service area, bypassing the reservoir.

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