Mifflin County lifts 'Do Not Drink' notice after truck crash

Water customers can resume normal use after tests confirm water safety.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 12:34am

A serene, atmospheric landscape painting depicting a large, fog-shrouded reservoir surrounded by rolling hills, conveying the overwhelming scale and power of the natural world.The tranquil Laurel Creek Reservoir, the source of water for thousands in Mifflin County, remains undisturbed after a nearby crash was resolved without contamination.Lewistown Today

The Mifflin County Municipal Authority has lifted a 'Do Not Drink' notice that was put in place after a fatal tractor-trailer crash at the Laurel Creek Reservoir on Friday. Four water samples tested clear of any contaminants, allowing residents to resume using water for drinking, cooking, and other purposes.

Why it matters

The 'Do Not Drink' notice had disrupted normal water usage for thousands of Mifflin County residents, requiring emergency distribution of bottled water. The quick resolution and lifting of the notice helps restore normalcy to the affected communities.

The details

A tractor-trailer crash at the Laurel Creek Reservoir on Friday caused a power failure at a backup water source, prompting the Mifflin County Municipal Authority to issue a 'Do Not Drink' notice. After taking four water samples as directed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, and finding them clear of any volatile organic compounds, the authority lifted the notice on Sunday evening.

  • The 'Do Not Drink' notice was put in place early Saturday morning.
  • The notice was lifted at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday.

The players

Mifflin County Municipal Authority

The local water authority that serves customers in several Mifflin County municipalities.

Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

The state agency that provided guidance and oversight on the water testing process.

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The takeaway

The swift resolution of the water safety issue and lifting of the 'Do Not Drink' notice demonstrates the Mifflin County Municipal Authority's responsiveness and commitment to ensuring reliable water service for its customers.