Lambertville Residents Should Boil Water, Advisory Says

Editor's note: The water main break has been repaired, but residents should continue to use the following practices of boiling water until otherwise directed.

LAMBERTVILLE, PA — On Thursday afternoon, Lambertville officials announced to residents that they should boil all water due to low water pressure and a potential water main break.

Lambertville was pummeled with flooding Wednesday night, with the Delaware River expected to crest at 13.6 feet on Thursday evening. Fortunately for residents, estimated water levels for Thursday decreased throughout the day; originally, the National Weather Service projected highest water levels at 15.3 feet.

“Our crews have been on site all night assessing a potential water main break. Once the potential leak is repaired, laboratory personnel will test water samples in affected areas to ensure that it meets safe drinking water standards," said Jim Mastrokalos, Director of Operations for SUEZ Lambertville.

He said these test results typically come back in 24-48 hours.

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In the meantime, water will be available for residents at the Lambertville Free Public Library and the Phillip L. Pittore Justice Center. A 4,000 gallon “water buffalo” with multiple taps for filling bottles, provided by SUEZ, will also be placed at the ACME at 25 S Union St. for resident's convenience.

As power outages in Lambertville are still widespread, Mayor Julia Fahl said the Lambertville Free Public Library will also be available as a charging station for residents.

Otherwise, residents are advised to stay indoors until the state of emergency is lifted, and to stay away from the river where high water levels could mean volatile conditions.

Public Works will pick up spoiled food garbage from homes impacted by the power outage on Friday, Lambertville's Office of Emergency Management announced.

According to SUEZ, residents with running water should bring it to a rolling boil for one minute before doing the following: "drinking, cooking or baking, preparing foods, making ice cubes, taking medication, brushing teeth, washing food, washing vegetables and fruit, mixing food, mixing juices or drinks, mixing baby formula, feeding pets and all other consumption."

The company also recommends that residents:

• Throw away uncooked food or beverages or ice cubes made with tap water during the day of the advisory.
• Keep boiled water in the refrigerator for drinking.
• Do not swallow water while showering or bathing.
• Rinse hand washed dishes with a diluted bleach solution (one tablespoon of householdbleach per gallon of tap water) or clean your dishes in a dishwasher using the hot washcycle and dry cycle.
• Do not use home filtering devices in place of boiling or using bottled water; most homewater filters will not provide adequate protection from microorganisms.
• Use only boiled water to treat minor injuries.
• Provide pets with drinking water that has been boiled (and cooled).

The City of Lambertville is encouraging residents to report damages to officials for eligibility for Red Cross aid and possible FEMA grants.