Water conservation ordered

Power surge causes pump failure, service restrictions in Westmoreland

A power surge that resulted in a pump failure at a water treatment plant in Westmoreland County has led to a conservation order for nearly 107,000 water customers.

The conservation order was put in place Sunday and will be in effect while workers make repairs at the Indian Creek Treatment Plant in Connellsville, according to a statement by the Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County. The power surge destroyed an electrical

normal service will occur,” said Michael F. Kukura, resident manager of the authority.

While the alert is in effect, the authority stresses that water is safe to drink but could be in short supply. It said an update on the conservation order is expected Tuesday.

According to the MAWC, about 107,000 of the authority’s 120,000 customers are affected by the order.

It said the power surge destroyed several pieces of equipment, “where high amperage electrical power is modulated and then distributed to the pumps in the treatment plant. The pumps move water through the plant, and ultimately, to water towers throughout the MAWC service area.”

It said customers draw water from the towers.

“With the pumps out of service, the water in the system remains safe. We are continuing to ask people to conserve so that we don’t run out of water,” said Brian Hohman, the MAWC's business manager.

The MAWC's Indian Creek system, which serves the southern part of the system, is being joined in the conservation effort by the Beaver Run, or northern system, “so that the Beaver Run plant can supplement water tower supplies normally filled by Indian Creek,” the statement said.

More details are available at mawc.org.

While the water conservation notice is in effect, the following are prohibited water uses:

• Watering lawns, gardens, landscaped areas, trees, shrubs and outdoor plants. • Watering golf courses. • Washing paved surfaces, such as streets, sidewalks, driveways, garages, parking areas, tennis courts and patios.

• Operating water fountains, artificial waterfalls and reflecting pools. • Washing vehicles. • Serving water in eating places unless specifically requested by the individual.

• Filling and topping off swimming pools.

The affected communities are: • Adamsburg • Allegheny Township • Apollo • Arona • Avonmore • Bell • Bullskin • Burrell • Conemaugh • Connellsville • Connellsville Township • Dawson Borough • Delmont • Derry • East Huntington • East Vandergrift • Everson • Export • Forward • Gilpin • Greensburg • Hempfield • Herminie (Part of Sewickley Township) • Hunker • Hyde Park • Irwin • Jeannette • Kiskiminetas • Leechburg • Loyalhanna • Madison • Manor • Mount Pleasant Borough

• Mount Pleasant Township • Murrysville • New Alexandria • New Stanton • North Apollo • North Huntingdon • North Irwin • North Versailles • Oklahoma • Parks • Penn Borough • Penn Township • Perry • Rostraver • Salem • Saltsburg • Scottdale • Sewickley Township • Smithton • South Connellsville • South Greensburg • Suttersville • Trafford • Unity • Upper Tyrone • Vandergrift • Wall • Washington Township • West Leechburg • West Newton • Youngwood The MAWC says the following consecutive systems are affected:

• Pennsylvania American in Fayette County and Elizabeth Township, Allegheny County • Monroeville • Plum • Parks Township • Gilpin Township • Pleasant Valley Water Authority