🌱 River Water Contamination + Hazmat Death in Mayfair + Late Blossoms

Hi all. I'm back in your inbox this spring morning with your new edition of the Philadelphia Patch newsletter. Here's all the community news you need to know right now. In this issue, you'll learn about:

• To drink or not to drink? Is Philly's tap water contaminated due to a chemical spill?
• A large amount of heroin and fentanyl caused a dangerous Hazmat death in Mayfair.
• Philly's cherry blossoms are blooming just a bit late despite a warm winter.

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But first, today's weather:

Occasional rain and drizzle. High: 58 Low: 40.

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Here are the top three stories today in Philadelphia:

1. On Sunday, the Philadelphia Water Department alerted residents that there was a chemical spill into the Delaware River in Bristol, Bucks County that compromised the drinking water supply. They were recommending to buy bottled water as a precaution, however later in the day, PWD officials said, "the Philadelphia Water Department is now confident tap water from the Baxter Drinking Water Treatment Plant will remain safe to drink and use at least through 11:59 p.m. Monday, March 27. " Needless to say, a run on cases of bottled water happened as area supermarkets and stores like Target and Walmart sold out by late afternoon. (WHYY).
2. When police were called to the 4400 block of Teesdale Street for an unresponsive male, little did they know they were walking into a dangerous Hazmat situation. Officers allegedly found nearly two kilos of heroin and fentanyl along with cash, IDs and cell phones as well as a woman and baby unconscious. The woman was revived with Narcan and the 2-month old baby was rushed to the hospital for treatment. The man however, succumbed to an overdose. Perla Santiago-Diaz, 22, was arrested and bail was set at $2 million because she is a flight risk. Her charges are: causing a catastrophe, endangering the welfare of children, recklessly endangering another person, conspiracy, possession with intent to deliver. (6abc Philadelphia)
3. Forget the groundhog, Philly knows its spring when the cherry blossoms bloom! And this year's cherry blossoms — thousands and thousands of pink and white flowers on street trees of city blocks and scattered through Fairmount Park — are a little tardy this year even though we had a very mild winter. This week is peak viewing to see them! (WHY)

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Today in Philadelphia:

• Singing for Busy Adults FREE Intro Class (6:00 PM)
• Human Relations Commission - Lansdowne Borough (6:30 PM)
• KMA Meeting - Keystone Academy Charter School (7:00 PM)
• Mehrnam Rastegari & Martin Shamoonpour (7:30 PM)

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From my notebook:

• Did four guys from Cheltenham High start National Cheesesteak Day? Grab a black cherry soda and you be the judge. (billypenn.com)
• Even though we had a mild winter, don't you still wish you went to Key West this season? Well Jimmy Buffett promises it's 5 o'clock in Philadelphia. Jimmy Buffet's 'Escape to Margaritaville' is coming to Walnut Street Theatre. (WPVI-TV)

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Alrighty, you're all good for today! I'll see you soon.

— Patty-Pat Kozlowski

About me: Patty-Pat Kozlowski has been writing community news and Philly-cenric Op/Eds for over 20 years. A Jill of all trades she's been a stand-up comedian, chef, DJ, newspaper editor, food trucker and Parks Director for Philadelphia Parks & Rec as well as a community relations/legislative aide for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and Philadelphia City Council.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Philadelphia Patch newsletter? Contact me at philadelphia@patch.com