Yardley Boil-Water Advisory: Problem Found, Repair Underway

Latest update: Boil Water Advisory Could Last 2 More Days

YARDLEY, PA — Pennsylvania American Water officials said Saturday they have identified the problem that led to a boil-water advisory for customers in Yardley, Lower Makefield and parts of Falls Township.

Teams were working to fix the problem, PAW said shortly before noon on Saturday. But the boil-water advisory for water that's been reported as being excessively cloudy continued, with no definite end in sight.

In a written statement, Pennsylvania American Water said mechanical control issues at the company's local water plant caused the increased cloudiness, or "turbidity."

"Until we complete repairs and stabilize the treatment plant, we cannot provide an estimate of when the boil advisory will be lifted," PAW said in the statement. "Pennsylvania American Water’s team of water quality, engineering and operations experts continue to work around the clock, and we are coordinating our efforts with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to correct the issues and lift the boil advisory as soon as possible."

On Friday, Yardley Borough officials said the advisory, which was first issued Thursday evening, could last "for a few days." Schools were closed Friday in the Pennsbury School District, where 8 out of 15 schools are serviced by Pennsylvania American Water.

SAT exams that were scheduled for Saturday morning at Pennsbury High School East went ahead as scheduled. On its website, the district urged parents to check back at 6 p.m. on Sunday for an update on whether classes will be held on Monday.

For residents needing clean water, Pennsylvania American Water has set up tankers at the following locations:

• Yardley and Makefield fire companies, 105 S. Main St., Yardley, and 652 Stony Hill Rd., Lower Makefield
• Big Oak Shopping Center, 1641 Big Oak Rd.
• Village Market, 599 Washington Crossing Rd., Lower Makefield
• Gas Light Village, 85 Makefield Rd., Falls Township.

Residents are encouraged to bring their own containers to the tanker sites. The tankers are available from 6 a.m.-10 p.m.

Before drinking tap water, residents are urged to bring water to a boil, let it boil for one minute, then let it cool beforehand. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes and food preparation until further notice.

Yardley Borough offered the following tips as well:

• Dishwashers are safe if they are run on the "hot" setting
• Water filters such as Brita are not effective
• Clothes washers are safe when run with hot water
• Pets should drink the same water that you do.
• Showering is OK, but if you are more comfortable, use boiled or bottled water
• Coffee makers should use boiled/bottled water

Customers who get their water from the Morrisville Municipal Authority are not impacted by the situation.

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