Boil Water Advisory Impacts 86K Residents In 11 Montco Towns

NORRISTOWN, PA — The water main break in Norristown continues to cause issues for thousands of residents in 11 different municipalities, as authorities late Monday said that "there is no timetable" for a return to service. A boil water advisory has been issued for 11 different muncipalities.

Crews remained at the corner of Marshall and Markley streets in Norristown overnight into Tuesday, where a 24 inch main broke Monday morning. Pennsylvania American Water says the break there could cause an increased chance that the drinking water might contain disease-causing organisms.

>>Water Main Breaks In Norristown, Boil Water Advisory Issued

Though the break is in Norristown, customers in Bridgeport, West Norriton, East Norriton, Upper Merion, Plymouth, Lower Providence, Whitpain, Worcester, Whitemarsh, and Perkiomen Township are all under the advisory. A map of the impacted area is available here.

Officials estimate that 33,500 customers are impacted, or a total of 86,700 residents.

The advisory means that any restaurants within the area must close unless than have an approved alternative source of water, such as a licensed potable drinking water tanker truck. The advisory forced many local eateries around the area to close Monday.

Others, like the Collegeville Italian Bakery Pizzeria, have already found an alternative water source. The local staple has partnered with a tanker from Clear Alternative Water Hauling to get them back up and running Tuesday.

Officials recommend that residents bring their water to a rolling boil for one minute. Boiled or bottled water should be used for all cooking, drinking, dishes, tooth-brushing, and food preparation.