A stretch of usually quiet Shaler Township streets woke up to an unwelcome surprise Monday: tap water that has to be boiled before anyone can safely drink it.
After a water main break that officials said could not be repaired quickly, residents were advised to either boil their tap water or switch to bottled water. The boil advisory applies to homes along Governor Drive, Pamela Drive, Bradley Drive, Pitner Drive, Ridgeway Drive and Rial Drive while crews work to isolate and fix the damaged line.
In a social media post shared by the Shaler Township Police Department, officials wrote that “effective immediately, the Hampton Shaler Water Authority has issued a boil water notice due to a water main break that cannot be repaired quickly,” and warned the advisory will stay in place until water quality tests confirm the supply is safe, according to WTAE. The post also strongly recommended using bottled water whenever possible while crews complete repairs and testing.
Who’s Affected And Who To Call
The advisory specifically names Governor Drive, Pamela Drive, Bradley Drive, Pitner Drive, Ridgeway Drive and Rial Drive as the affected streets, as WPXI reported. Residents who are unsure whether their home is included or who have questions about the advisory can call the Hampton Shaler Water Authority at 412-486-4867. Contact details are also listed on the utilities page for Hampton Township.
If you rely on a private well, officials say you should not assume your water is safe. Check in with local health authorities before using your well water for drinking or cooking.
How To Make Tap Water Safe
During a boil water advisory, health experts say you should use bottled water whenever you can. If you must rely on tap water, bring it to a full rolling boil for at least one minute before using it for drinking, cooking, making ice or brushing teeth. At higher elevations, that minimum boil time jumps to three minutes, according to the CDC.
The CDC also notes that most dishwashers with a sanitizing cycle are generally safe to use during advisories. Any ice made after the water main break should be thrown out and not used until the advisory is lifted and the system is cleared.
A Pattern Of Pipe Problems
Shaler Township is no stranger to serious water main trouble. A 16-inch rupture on Soose Road in May 2023 disrupted service and required extended repairs, as reported by WTAE. Another 16-inch failure in January 2025 buckled Parker Street, again cutting service and demanding lengthy work, according to WPXI.
That track record helps explain why utilities in the area sometimes lean on precautionary boil orders while crews finish repairs and run water quality tests, even if the disruption feels like overkill in the moment.
What To Expect Next
For now, crews are staying on the job to repair the broken line and restore normal service. The boil advisory will remain in place until testing shows the water system is safe to drink from again.
Residents are being urged to watch local media and updates from the Hampton Shaler Water Authority for the latest word on when the advisory will be lifted.
