In Pottstown Boil Advisory Goodwill Fire Co. Is Water Pickup Spot

POTTSTOWN, PA — Cases of water are available to people in Pottstown Borough at Goodwill Fire Co. after a water main break in the borough left almost 15,000 without safe water.

A 20-inch main break in the area of Manataway Street and E. High Street caused a loss of positive pressure, the county's advisory said. The main was isolated for repairs throughout the day on Wednesday. The borough reported on Wednesday evening that 85 percent of the leak had been contained.

The boiling water notice area extends from Grosstown Road in West Pottsgrove to Armand Hammer Boulevard between the Schuylkill River and East Street. A map of the affected area can be viewed here.

A boil water advisory means that people should not drink the water in their homes without first boiling it; the water should come to a rolling boil and remain boiling for one minute before being used.

Customers located outside of this area may experience lower water pressure but are not required to boil water at this time, Montgomery County said.

Pottstown Borough Authority customers impacted by the boil water advisory on a first-come, first-served basis, a borough announcement said. Affected customers can pick up one case per household per day at Goodwill Fire Company at 714 East High Street, anytime through Saturday, March 20, or until supplies run out.

Montgomery County on Wednesday estimated the advisory affects 10,000 to 15,000 people.

Authorities said the boil advisory will remain in place until pressure is restored and two consecutive days of sampling are negative for total coliform bacteria and with compliant chorine residuals.

The county's advisory said food facilities in the affected area must close unless they can provide an alternative source of water. Instructions on modifying operations can be found at: Emergency Guidelines for Food Facilities during a BWA.

Pottstown Borough Authority said it will inform customers when the corrective actions have been completed, and affected residents no longer need to boil their water. This information will also be provided on their website under their emergency alert section.

Pottstown Borough Authority said, "Our crews will continue working late into the night to get the leak fully contained. In the meantime, we urge everyone to conserve as much water as possible this evening. The more we can conserve now reduces the time needed to fully pressurize the entire system. Those located in the boil water advisory area should continue to do so. It is anticipated that the boil water advisory could last for at least three days, so please prepare accordingly. We will advise everyone once the boil water advisory is lifted. We appreciate your patience and cooperation."

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