- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Pennsylvania American Water Issues Boil Water Notice for Allegheny and Washington Counties
Over 90,000 customers affected by early morning power surge at treatment plant
Published on Feb. 7, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Pennsylvania American Water has issued a boil water notice for more than 90,000 customers in Allegheny and Washington counties after an early morning power surge caused a depletion of water storage at a treatment plant, resulting in a loss of water pressure that could lead to contamination.
Why it matters
Contaminated water can cause serious health issues, including bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections that can lead to nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and other ailments. Boil water advisories are an important public health measure to ensure the safety of drinking water during disruptions to the water supply system.
The details
According to Pennsylvania American Water, the power surge occurred at the Aldrich Water Treatment Plant in Elrama, causing a depletion of water storage at a nearby tank. This led to a loss of water pressure within the distribution system, which could allow contamination to enter through backflow or back siphonage. The company has restored normal electrical service and is collecting and analyzing water samples for further testing.
- The boil water advisory was issued on Saturday, February 7, 2026.
The players
Pennsylvania American Water
A water utility company that provides water and wastewater services to customers in Pennsylvania.
What’s next
Pennsylvania American Water is collecting and analyzing water samples for further testing to determine when the boil water notice can be lifted.
The takeaway
This incident highlights the importance of maintaining a reliable and safe water supply system, as contaminated water can pose serious health risks to the community. Residents should follow the boil water advisory instructions until the utility confirms the water is safe to use without boiling.
