Norristown Boil Water Advisory Issued

NORRISTOWN, PA — A boil water advisory has been issued by Pennsylvania American Water for Norristown due to a loss of water pressure in the distribution system.

The advisory, issued Sunday, stems from a main break that caused the water pressure change, Pennsylvania American Water said in a statement.

“A loss of positive water pressure is a signal of the existence of conditions that could allow contamination to enter the distribution system through back-flow by back pressure or back siphonage,” the authority said. “As a result, we are issuing a boil water advisory for customers in the affected area.”

The notice applies to a population of approximately 260 customers along the following streets:

• West Elm Street (between Markley Street and Noble Street)
• Noble Street (from West Elm Street to West Beech Street)
• Stanbridge Street (from West Elm Street to West
• Roosevelt Avenue (from West Elm Street to the end of Haws Avenue)
• Chain Street (from West Elm Street to dead-end)
• George Street and Kohn Streets (from West Elm Street around to West Elm Street)

“DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST,” Pennsylvania American Water said. “Bring all water to a rolling boil, let it boil for one minute, and cool before using; or use bottled water. You should use boiled or bottled water for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth and food preparation until further notice.”

Residents are advised that untreated water may contain disease-causing bacteria, viruses and parasites, which can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea and associated headaches.

“These symptoms, however, are not caused only by organisms in drinking water, but also by other factors. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice,” the authority said.

Parents of infants and young children, as well as people at increased risk such as pregnant women, the elderly and those with severely compromised immune systems should seek advice from their health care providers about drinking the water.

General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1 (800) 426 4791.