Boil water advisory issued for parts of Scranton after water main break

SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) — Pennsylvania American Water has issued a boil water advisory for approximately 620 customers in parts of Scranton after a water main break caused a loss of water pressure Sunday.

The advisory affects customers in a large section of downtown and central Scranton following the water main break near the intersection of North Washington Avenue and Mulberry Street. Utility crews are repairing the damaged main, with work expected to take about 12 hours to complete, approximately 6 p.m.

According to Pennsylvania American Water, the loss of positive water pressure increases the risk that contaminants could enter the water distribution system through backflow or back-siphonage.

Until the advisory is lifted, customers should bring all water to a rolling boil for at least one minute before using it for:

DrinkingMaking iceBrushing teethWashing dishesPreparing food

Officials said the advisory will remain in effect until water quality testing confirms the system is safe. Customers will be notified when the advisory is lifted.

Areas affected

The boil water advisory applies to customers in the following locations:

100-400 blocks of Mifflin Avenue100-400 blocks of Franklin Avenue100-500 blocks of Penn Avenue500-700 blocks of Capouse Avenue100-900 blocks of Wyoming Avenue100-900 blocks of North Washington Avenue100-900 blocks of Adams Avenue100-900 blocks of Jefferson Avenue100-900 blocks of Madison Avenue100-900 blocks of Monroe Avenue300-800 blocks of Gibson Avenue400-800 blocks of Pine Street100-800 blocks of Olive Street200-800 blocks of Vine Street100-800 blocks of Mulberry Street100-800 blocks of Linden Street100-600 blocks of Biden Street100-600 blocks of Lackawanna Avenue100-500 blocks of Center Street500 block of Gordon Avenue100 block of Anthony StreetUnit block of Silex Street600-700 blocks of Mineral Avenue600 block of Barrett Court300-500 blocks of New Street100-700 blocks of Forest Court100-500 blocks of Oakford Court400 block of Kessler Court700-900 blocks of Dix Court800-900 blocks of Lee Court500-800 blocks of Myrtle Street799-900 blocks of Morris Court300-900 blocks of McKenna Court600 block of Ridge Row

Customers with questions can contact Pennsylvania American Water’s customer service center or visit the company’s website for updates as repairs and water quality testing continue.

Repairs and testing

Once repairs to the water main are complete and service has been restored, Pennsylvania American Water will collect and analyze multiple water quality samples, including tests for bacteria.

The boil water advisory will remain in place until those tests confirm the water meets all state and federal drinking water standards.

Why the advisory was issued

The utility said the water main break caused a loss of positive water pressure, creating conditions that could allow contaminants to enter the water distribution system through backflow or back-siphonage.

Although there is no evidence that the water is contaminated, the pressure loss increases the possibility that disease-causing organisms could enter the system.

Those organisms can include bacteria, viruses and parasites, which may cause symptoms such as:

NauseaStomach crampsDiarrheaHeadaches

Pennsylvania American Water noted those symptoms can also be caused by illnesses unrelated to drinking water. Anyone who experiences persistent symptoms should contact a healthcare provider.

People with weakened immune systems, infants and older adults may face a greater risk of illness and should consult their healthcare providers about safe drinking water during the advisory.