Residents in the Municipality of Norristown and Plymouth Township were told Monday to boil their tap water after an equipment failure led to a drop in pressure in parts of the local water system, according to Pennsylvania American Water. The utility said the precautionary boil water advisory will stay in effect until further notice and urged customers not to drink tap water unless it has been boiled or is bottled.
Who’s affected and why
The advisory covers customers in Norristown and Plymouth Township who receive service from Pennsylvania American Water, the company said. The utility reported a loss of "positive pressure" in the distribution system tied to an equipment failure, a situation that can allow contaminants to enter pipes, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
How to treat your water
During a boil water advisory, public-health guidance says you should bring tap water to a rolling boil for at least one minute, then let it cool before using it for drinking, cooking, making ice, or brushing teeth. People with infants, pregnant women, older adults, or anyone with a weakened immune system should use bottled water or consult a health provider, according to the CDC.
What the utility says and where to get updates
Pennsylvania American Water said crews are working to resolve the equipment problem and that it will notify impacted customers when the advisory is lifted. Customers can check the company’s interactive Customer Advisory Map or Alerts page and call the 24/7 emergency line at 1-800-565-7292 for updates, according to Pennsylvania American Water. If you experience persistent gastrointestinal symptoms after consuming tap water, seek medical advice and follow public-health recommendations on treatment.
