Residents in Waynesboro neighorhoods must boil water

WAYNESBORO -- A water main broke Monday on the Waynesboro area water system, and about 510 customers in two neighborhoods were cautioned to boil water until further notice.

A private contractor broke a water main on the Zullinger water system in Washington Township, according to Waynesboro Water Authority officials.

Residents west of Frick Avenue in Waynesboro to the end of the Zullinger water system were urged to boil water until the pipe is repaired and disinfected.

The authority also announced a boil water advisory for borough residents in the higher elevations of Frick Avenue, Tritle Avenue and Pine Hill Drive in the borough.

Wednesday afternoon is the earliest that the advisories could be lifted, according to Waynesboro Manager Jason Stains. The lines must first pass testing for bacteria. 

The line break caused the pressure to drop in both areas, Stains said.

A loss in water pressure may result in temporary contamination of the distribution system. Bacterial contamination may enter the pipes when pressurized, chlorinated water is not present to prevent it. These bacteria may cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a special health risk for infants, young children, some of the elderly and people with severely compromised immune systems. 
People using public water in the affected neighborhoods should not drink the water without boiling it first. Bring all water to a boil. Let it boil for one minute. Let it cool before using.

Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further notice. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water.

"The contractor was working on a 6-inch service line to a lot in the Zullinger Industrial Park," said Leiter Pryor, Waynesboro utilities manager. "A valve blew off of the main line when the contractor exposed the service line."

Earlier this month the authority issued a boil water notice to more than 100 customers on Rinehart Drive and Country Club Road from Gehr Road to Scott Drive when a water main broke there. 

For more information, contact Washington Township Municipal Authority at: (717) 762-3108 or The Borough of Waynesboro at: (717) 762-2101. 

Jim Hook 717-262-4759