McKeesport Lower 10th Ward could be without water for more than a week
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Residents in McKeesport’s Lower 10th Ward could be without water for at least a week, according to the Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County.
Those living in the ward have been advised not to use tap water since Friday when fire tore through McKeesport Auto Body on Rebecca Street.
Fire suppressing foam containing synthetic chemicals and glycol might have been sucked into a fire hydrant while crews battled the blaze, according to officials at the municipal authority.
In a release late Sunday afternoon, officials said the test results certifying the water is safe will take “at least a week.”
McKeesport Area High School is being opened up to residents for showers from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. They should use the right-hand entrance to South Hall.
Officials said crews are flushing the affected area, but the initial tests will still take several days to process. There are about 500 residents are affected.
“We are changing out the water in the Lower 10th Ward as a precaution,” resident Manager Michael F. Kukura said Saturday. “Our information and expertise indicate that flushing will remove firefighting foam constituents, if present. There’s no reason to wait for test results to flush.”
As the advisory remains in place, residents should not boil, freeze or filter the water because it will not reduce the level of chemicals that may be present.
Residents are encouraged to use bottled water for drinking, bathing, hand washing, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, cooking or preparing food until further notice.
Water buffaloes are also located at both ends of Atlantic Avenue, at the sewage plant and at R & W Oil. Bottled water in also available at McKeesport Fire Department Station 1, located at 201 Lysle Blvd.