Boil advisory issued for some Pittsburgh neighborhoods after water main break

The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA) issued a precautionary flush and boil advisory for some Pittsburgh neighborhoods after a water main break Friday morning.

A 16-inch water main break on Grace Street at approximately 6:30 a.m. caused low water pressure — or no water pressure — in portions of Crafton Heights, Duquesne Heights, Elliott, Mount Washington, Ridgemont, West End and Westwood.

The main break was isolated and the pressure was restored just over an hour later, PWSA said.

However, when there is a pressure loss, contaminants can enter the water. PWSA therefore issued a precautionary flush and boil advisory, impacting about 5,600 households.

According to a map on PWSA’s website, impacted areas include parts of Duquesne Heights, Mount Washington, West End and Westwood. Customers who experienced low or no water pressure this morning should also follow the flush and boil precautions, PWSA said.

A searchable map can help residents determine whether they are in an impacted area.

Water buffaloes will be placed at several locations for affected customers:

• 150 Meridian Street

• Intersection of Grace Street and Kearsarge Street at the Rite Aid parking lot

• 725 Ridgemont Street

• Hassler Street at the Herschel Field parking lot

PWSA will conduct testing to verify that the water is safe to consume.

Customers in the flush and boil advisory locations — as well as any customer who experienced no water service or low water pressure this morning — are encouraged to follow precautionary measures until further notice.

The flush and boil advisory applies to water used for consumption — such as water used for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth and food preparation.

For residents who do not know if their property has lead water pipes or solder, PWSA recommends first flushing the lines by running water from the tap for at least one minute before boiling.

Then, impacted residents should boil tap water for at least one minute before using it to drink or cook. That one-minute guideline begins once the water begins to bubble.

Wait for the water to cool before using it — or store it in a clean container in the refrigerator.

Boiling water kills harmful, illness-causing bacteria, PWSA said. Anyone who made ice during the time the advisory was issued should throw it away, as freezing does not kill bacteria, PWSA said.

Flushing water brings in fresh water from the main line, PWSA said.