Boil water advisory continues in Millvale

PWSA must satisfy state requirements

The flush and boil water advisory in Millvale will stretch into its fifth day Saturday as the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority said more tests are necessary to ensure water quality.

The PWSA said Friday night that the advisory will remain in place for at least another 24 hours as it works to satisfy the state Department of Environmental Protection’s water quality requirements.

The PWSA said additional verification of Millvale’s water quality is needed for the DEP to assure the borough’s water meets federal and state safety standards.

The DEP said in a post on its Facebook page Thursday evening that the advisory would remain in Millvale “until water samples show consistent disinfection levels

and negative bacteria samples.” The PWSA said it sent additional water samples to a laboratory Friday as it works to confirm acceptable water quality.

The advisory was issued Monday night and impacted an estimated 18,000 homes in Millvale, Reserve and Pittsburgh’s northern neighborhoods. The PWSA lifted the advisory Thursday for Reserve and Pittsburgh, but it remains for Millvale.

Officials said they issued the advisory because water in the Lanpher Reservoir in Shaler may have been contaminated by bird and animal droppings through a torn and degrading cover.

“The residents and officials in Millvale have been extremely patient and helpful as we work through this boil water advisory, and we are grateful for their cooperation,” said Robert Weimar, interim executive director of PWSA.

“Our main goal at PWSA is, and will always be, providing safe drinking water to our customers.”

“We would like to thank the Borough of Millvale and public safety officials for their continued coordination and assistance as we rectify this issue,” Mr. Weimar said.