Water Troubles Continue with Boil Order Issued

HUNTINGDON (November 15) — On Thursday, the Town of Huntingdon experienced a water main break on Lexington Street. In turn, residents had low water pressure and discoloration. The following day, the loss of pressure in the distribution system caused back-pressure in the lines which in turn forced the Town of Huntingdon to issue a boil water notice.

According to the statement provided by Huntingdon City Hall “the drop in pressure in the water distribution system, which may cause back-pressure, back-siphonage, or a net movement of water from outside the pipe to the inside through cracks, breaks, or joints in the distribution system that are common in all water systems. Such a system failure carries with it a high potential that fecal contamination or other disease-causing organisms could enter the distribution system.”

The boil notice was issued at approximately 12 p.m. on Friday and was lifted the following day, November 16, around 4:30 p.m. There were no known contaminations.

Several restaurants were affected by the boil notice as fountain drinks were replaced by canned drinks and bottled water. Some venues could not provide vegetable toppings like lettuce and tomatoes. Multiple food establishments closed for the day. The schools in town had bottled water on hand. 

As part of the boil order, residents and restaurants were informed that all water for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation had to be boiled for at least three minutes in order to kill any possible bacteria and organisms. The order went as far as to state that “ all stored water, drink or ice made recently from this supply shall be discarded.”

Following the lift of the boil order, residents were advised to flush their water lines. Flushing the lines would help in removing sediment and air, which caused a temporary milky discoloration.