PITTSBURGH – The Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) has received many questions from residents and business owners about the Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority (PWSA) precautionary flush and boil advisory. Questions pertaining to the order, and the reasons for it, should be directed to either PWSA or the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
While the order is in effect, PWSA and the DEP have advised residents to do the following before using water for drinking or preparing food: run the water for one (1) minute and then boil for at least one (1) minute and let it cool before using. In response to questions being posed by residents, please be advised that running tap water is likely not sufficiently hot enough to prevent bacteria, and so the boil advisory should be followed. Bottled water may also be used. Residents can safely shower and bathe. Residents can use ice cubes that were frozen previously and can wash their dishes with little concern.
The DEP order references disinfection levels for Giardia in the water. At this point, we have no knowledge that Giardia has been detected, but given its unique nature, there is still some concern. Giardia is a parasite that can cause intestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating and diarrhea. It takes a median of 7-10 days to develop these symptoms after exposure and is a treatable condition. Again there is NO evidence of Giardia in the system and, if there is, the PWSA filtration system should remove it from the system. The precautions put in place are appropriate to assure protection. Should you develop symptoms, please contact your health care provider.
Restaurants and health care facilities in the affected areas must only use potable or boiled water. ACHD has posted information on its website including links to frequently asked questions (FAQ) along with additional guidelines for restaurants. Restaurants with questions that are not answered in the FAQs can call the Food Safety Program at 412-578-8044.
Please note that this water precautionary advisory applies ONLY to customers of the Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority in the specific areas of Pittsburgh which are fed by the Highland Park Reservoir.
