Wednesday is the earliest day that residents of Ligonier Borough, Laurel Mountain Borough and portions of Ligonier and Fairfield townships will have normal water service, according to the Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County.
The authority is gaining some water in its tanks from the Ligonier Township Municipal Authority, and will be beginning bacterial tests on the water later today, MAWC spokesperson Matt Junker said. He expects to update the public with an automated call this afternoon.
The tests must incubate for 24 hours and the authority must receive two consecutive negative tests on two different days before the normal service can resume, Junker said.
A water main break Sunday near Waterford caused the disruption, which resulted in customers being advised to conserve water and boil it before use.
Because the main break happened underwater near a stream crossing, the repair is more complicated and may take additional time to repair, Junker said.
Junker said residents should make use of a water buffalo and limited bottled water supply available at the Ligonier Borough municipal garage, 301 Bunger St.
Water conservation tips
• Turn off the faucet while brushing teeth
• Use a sink filled with rinse water to shave
• Take short showers instead of baths
• Fill the sink with water to prerinse dishes before putting them in the dishwasher
• Use a bucket of water to wash a car instead of a hose
