Boil Water Advisory Issued for Lemoyne Residents

A boil water advisory was issued for Lemoyne residents in December 2024 following a water main break that caused a significant loss of pressure in the system. Water authorities urged affected residents to boil their water before drinking or using it for cooking. Understanding the risks associated with contaminated water and the necessary precautions can help individuals stay safe during such advisories.

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What is a Boil Water Advisory?

A boil water advisory is a public health notice that informs residents about the potential contamination of their tap water. It is issued when there is a possibility that bacteria, viruses, or other harmful microorganisms may have entered the water supply due to issues such as water main breaks, natural disasters, or system failures. During the advisory, residents are advised to boil their water for at least one minute to kill any potential contaminants before using it for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, or washing dishes.

What Causes a Boil Water Advisory to Be Issued?

Boil water advisories are typically issued when events compromise the safety of a water supply. The most common causes include:

• Water main breaks: When a pipe bursts, pressure drops, allowing contaminants to enter the water system.
• Natural disasters: Floods, hurricanes, and earthquakes can introduce harmful bacteria and chemicals into the water supply.
• System repairs or maintenance: Routine maintenance or unexpected damage to pipes can temporarily expose the system to contamination.
• Bacterial contamination: If routine testing finds bacteria such as E. coli in the water, an advisory is immediately issued.
• Loss of water pressure: When pressure drops, pollutants from the ground or nearby sewage lines can infiltrate the pipes.

In Lemoyne, the advisory was issued due to a major water main break along Lowther Street, which led to a loss of pressure, increasing the risk of contamination.

Why Was a Boil Water Advisory Issued for Lemoyne Residents?

The boil water advisory issued for Lemoyne residents occurred due to a major water main break along Lowther Street in Lemoyne Borough. Pennsylvania American Water reported that the break caused a loss of positive water pressure, which can allow harmful bacteria and contaminants to seep into the water supply. As a precaution, authorities issued the advisory and began conducting tests to ensure water safety before lifting the restrictions.

The advisory affected approximately 10 customer connections, but the potential risks extended to anyone relying on the local water system. Residents were notified through official channels, including Pennsylvania American Water’s website and local news reports.

How to Properly Boil Water During an Advisory?

Boiling water is the most effective way to eliminate harmful bacteria and microorganisms during an advisory. Here are the proper steps to follow:

1. Fill a pot with tap water and place it on a stove or heat source.
2. Bring the water to a rolling boil (bubbles should continuously rise to the surface).
3. Keep boiling for at least one minute to ensure bacteria, viruses, and parasites are destroyed.
4. Let the water cool before using it for drinking, cooking, or brushing teeth.
5. Store boiled water in a clean, covered container to avoid recontamination.

If boiling is not an option, use bottled water or disinfect tap water with unscented household bleach (adding 1/8 teaspoon per gallon and letting it sit for 30 minutes before use).

How to Tell If Your Tap Water Is Contaminated?

While authorities conduct testing, residents can also check for signs that their tap water might be unsafe. Some indicators of contamination include:

• Cloudy or discolored water: If your tap water looks murky, brown, or has floating particles, it may contain sediments or bacteria.
• Unusual taste or odor: A metallic, chlorine-like, or rotten egg smell can indicate chemical or bacterial contamination.
• Visible sediment or particles: If there is debris in your water, it could be due to pipe damage or contamination from the soil.
• Recent drop in water pressure: If your water flow suddenly decreases, contaminants may have entered the system due to a pressure loss.
• Reports from authorities: Always follow local water authority reports if they suspect a water quality issue.

If any of these signs appear, residents should avoid drinking the water and follow the boiling guidelines until officials confirm its safety.

Health Risks Associated with Contaminated Water

When a boil water advisory is issued, it means there is a chance that the water is contaminated. Drinking or using untreated water during such advisories can lead to various health issues, including:

• Gastrointestinal illnesses caused by bacteria like E. coli or viruses such as norovirus.
• Symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps that can range from mild to severe.
• Increased risks for vulnerable populations, including young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

Contaminated water can also cause infections if it enters the eyes, nose, or open wounds. That is why boiling water is crucial during advisories.

What Should Lemoyne Residents Do During a Boil Water Advisory?

During a boil water advisory issued for Lemoyne residents, the safest approach is to assume the water is unsafe until officials confirm otherwise. Residents should follow these precautionary measures:

• Boil all water for at least one minute before using it for drinking, cooking, washing food, brushing teeth, or making ice.
• Use bottled water if boiling is not an option.
• Avoid swallowing water when showering or bathing.
• Dispose of ice cubes made with tap water.
• Use boiled or bottled water for pets as well.

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The table below provides a clear breakdown of safe and unsafe water uses during an advisory:

Activity	Safe to Use Tap Water?	Alternative
Drinking	No	Boiled or bottled water
Cooking	No	Boiled water
Brushing Teeth	No	Boiled or bottled water
Bathing	Yes (avoid swallowing water)	–
Washing Dishes	No (unless sanitized)	Boiled water or dishwasher with high heat
Making Ice	No	Use boiled or bottled water

Following these precautions ensures that residents remain safe until officials confirm that the water is safe for consumption.

When Was the Advisory Lifted?

The boil water advisory issued for Lemoyne residents remained in effect while officials tested the water supply. Pennsylvania American Water conducted tests to ensure that the water met state and federal safety standards. After two rounds of testing showed no contamination, the advisory was lifted on December 18, 2024.

Officials confirmed that the water was safe for consumption and advised residents to flush their home plumbing systems by running taps for several minutes. This process helps clear any residual impurities from the system.

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How Can Future Water Issues Be Prevented?

While boil water advisories are sometimes unavoidable, there are ways to minimize their occurrence. Proper maintenance of water systems and regular inspections can reduce the risk of water main breaks. The following steps can help prevent future incidents:

• Regular inspections and timely repairs of water infrastructure.
• Community awareness programs to educate residents on handling water emergencies.
• Improved response times from local water authorities to fix breaks and restore pressure quickly.

Residents can also take personal precautions by storing bottled water for emergencies and signing up for local water alerts to receive timely updates.

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Final Thoughts

The boil water advisory issued for Lemoyne residents was a precautionary measure taken to ensure public safety after a water main break. Such advisories serve as important reminders of the vulnerabilities in water systems and the importance of infrastructure maintenance. By staying informed and following recommended precautions, residents can protect their health and reduce risks during future advisories.

Authorities have now confirmed that the water in Lemoyne is safe to use, but being prepared for potential future advisories is always a good practice. Staying updated through local news and official announcements will ensure residents are ready to act swiftly when needed.

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