UPPER CHICHESTER TWP., Pa. (WPVI) — Delaware County residents have spent more than 24 hours without running water after a water main break early Thursday morning, leaving communities across the area relying on emergency water trucks to meet basic needs.
At the Upper Chichester filling site, neighbors arrived with anything they could find to store water.
“There’s a place that resells pickle containers, and I bought them this morning at the farmer’s market,” said Michelle Fay of Upper Chichester.
Others returned multiple times to stock up for different uses.
“This is my second trip,” said Upper Chichester resident L’Tanya Billups. “I just loaded up for water to flush the toilets, and I’m loading up for water to drink.”
The outage stems from a break in a water main at a construction site on Route 322 near Cherry Tree Road.
The break occurred around 3 a.m. Thursday.
As crews continue repairs, thousands of residents in Upper Chichester, Lower Chichester, Marcus Hook, and Twin Oaks are experiencing little to no water pressure and remain under a boil water advisory.
That advisory was sent to 14,000 recipients.
Neighbors expressed growing frustration with the prolonged disruption.
“I hate it. It’s unbelievable that we have to wait this long,” said Upper Chichester resident John Garzia. “Can’t take no showers, can’t drink any water, no clothes, no nothing.”
Chester Water Authority crews are staffing filling stations at the Upper Chichester Township Municipal Building, the Marcus Hook Borough administrative office, and the Ogden Fire Company.
Workers said they’re hearing from residents who are increasingly upset.
“They’re kind of upset about the situation just because of everything that’s going on at the other site, not having water,” said worker Anthony Leopardi.
Some residents said they are reaching their limit. “Going through all the trials and tribulations of having no water,” said Tony DeBarberie of Upper Chichester.
Others echoed that strain. Garzia added, “Can’t go to the bathroom.” Billups said she may need to leave home if the outage continues.
“One more day and I’m going to have to go to a hotel. I think, wait a minute. sniffs one more day.”
Chester Water Authority officials said they expect to provide an update on restoration once the damaged section of the main is fully isolated.
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