1st tests come back clean, but boil water advisory still in effect for much of Allegheny and Washington counties

Early testing shows the water supply for parts of Allegheny and Washington counties was not tainted by a water main break Saturday at a Pennsylvania American Water treatment plant.

The utility announced Sunday its first round of water quality samples came back negative for bacterial contamination. However, about 95,000 customers remain under a boil water advisory as testing continues.

Affected customers are advised to use bottled water or hold their tap water at a rolling boil for one minute before consumption or use.

Pennsylvania American Water said a second set of samples have been collected, with an update expected late Monday morning.

The state requires water utilities to record two consecutive days of clean tests before lifting boil water advisories.

A power surge early Saturday morning depleted water storage at a tank at Aldrich Water Treatment Plant in Union Township, Washington County, according to the company. The loss of positive pressure within the distribution system put the water at risk for contamination.

The company’s follow-up statement also mentioned a water main break in the Elrama section of Union Township that was repaired Sunday evening. TribLive news partner WTAE reported the break happened outside the Elrama Volunteer Fire Department.

Pennsylvania American Water will alert customers when the advisory has lifted. For more information, visit pennsylvaniaamwater.com and select “Alerts” or call 800-565-7292.

The advisory applies to customers in the following municipalities:

Allegheny County:

• Bethel Park

• Bridgeville

• Clairton

• Dravosburg

• Elizabeth Township

• Elizabeth Borough

• Glassport

• Jefferson Hills Borough

• Liberty

• Lincoln

• North Fayette

• South Fayette

• South Park

• Upper Saint Clair

• West Elizabeth

Washington County

• Amwell

• Buffalo

• Canonsburg

• Canton

• Caroll Township

• Cecil Township

• Chartiers

• City of Washington

• Claysville

• Cross Creek

• Donegal Township

• East Washington

• Fallowfield

• Finleyville

• Forward Township

• Green Hills Borough

• Houston

• Jefferson

• Monongahela

• Mount Pleasant

• New Eagle

• North Franklin

• North Strabane

• Nottingham

• Peters Township

• Somerset Township

• South Franklin

• South Strabane

• Union Township

• West Middletown