Pa. American issues — then lifts — conservation order

It was lifted later in the day after an electrical issue at the company’s treatment plant in Elrama was fixed.

About 70,000 Pennsylvania American Water customers in Allegheny, Washington and Beaver counties were under a mandatory water conservation order Thursday.

The company said in a release that it needs to maintain water supply and pressure while it works to resolve an “unexpected electrical issue” at the Aldrich Water Treatment Plant in Elrama.

“Due to an unexpected electrical issue at the Aldrich Water Treatment Plant, the mandatory water conservation notice is necessary to maintain adequate water supply and pressure while the company works to resolve the issue,” the release said. Customers in Mon Valley communities, including Clairton, Jefferson Borough, South Park, Carroll Township, Fallowfield Townships, Monongahela and New Eagle, were asked to limit their water use, reducing it by 10% to 15%, until further notice. They were informed through an automated emergency notification system. The company asked customers to conserve water by running their dishwashers and laundry machines when they’re full, turning the tap off while brushing teeth/ washing dishes and checking for leaks. “Our teams are working diligently to repair the electrical issue and restore normal operations as quickly as possible,” the release said. “The company will provide updates as needed and notify customers when the conservation order is lifted.”

As of early Thursday afternoon, City of Monongahela employees stated that they heard about the conservation notices, but were not told anything else besides conserving water and being aware of what was going on.

Monongahela Fire Department officials received word of the notice from the Washington County Department of Public Safety, which said in a statement that the notice is necessary to maintain adequate water supply and pressure while the company works to resolve the issue.

“Our department is in communication with PA American Water representatives, and they hope to have the issue resolved as soon as possible,” stated Daniel J. Harvey, deputy director of the EMA.

Carroll Township Supervisor Ken Hillman heard about it from a phone call and voice message.

“The only thing we can do is follow the water company that is requesting everybody to conserve water until the situation has been resolved,” Hillman said. “The township itself, as far as the municipality, we do not use that much water and Carroll Township Municipal Building doesn’t use that much water. Conserve water until it’s lifted and I hope they can get the problem solved sooner rather than later.”

Gary Lobaugh, director of Government and External Affairs for Pennsylvania American Water, stated in an email a couple hours after the notice was initiated that it had been lifted as the plant was restored a couple hours later.

“Customers may resume regular water usage immediately, and the company appreciates their cooperation and patience,” Lobaugh sent in a separate release. “Their efforts have helped ensure the reliability of our water system.”