Boil-water advisory for Elizabethtown and area lifted

The Elizabethtown Area Water Authority lifted the boil-water advisory at 12:30 p.m. today after receiving word from the state Department of Environmental Protection that the water was free of contamination.

Residents of Elizabethtown, Mount Joy Township and West Donegal Township who are on "city water" now can return to normal usage and consumption of water.

I confirmed the news with official sources after hearing through the grapevine that the advisory was lifted late this afternoon.

For more information about water in the Elizabethtown area or the advisory, contact EAWA at 367-7448.

Water authority delivering free water from tankers

The Elizabethtown Area Water Authority began delivering potable water from tankers this evening at the Elizabethtown Fire Department, the Rheems Fire Department and the Mount Joy Township municipal building.

Water will be available at these locations from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily for those customers who do not wish to purchase bottled water or want to boil their own water. This water will be available until the advisory is lifted.

A committee consisting of representatives from EAWA, Elizabethtown borough, Mount Joy Township and West Donegal Township met this afternoon to review the status of the boil water advisory and potential contamination. A decision was made -- purely as a precaution -- to shut down Well No. 5 on Beechwood Lane, which is the well closest to the contamination spot. The water plant is operating and can more than accommodate the loss of this well. This committee will meet daily until this issue has been closed.

EAWA customers who have questions about the boil-water advisory can call EAWA at 367-7448.

Boil-water advisory issued for E-town and Mount Joy Township (including Rheems)

The Elizabethtown Area Water Authority issued a boil-water advisory for residents of Elizabethtown and Mount Joy Township (including Rheems) after routine testing turned up elevated levels of E. coli bacteria.

EAWA said residents must boil water for two minutes to make it safe for drinking. It is OK to bathe in water from the tap. The advisory affects those who are on "city water" -- and does not impact residents who have private well water.

The source of the bacteria has not been determined, but EAWA is working to flush and chlorinate the system to ensure water is safe for drinking. However, it will be at least Friday before the advisory can be lifted because results from tests to be taken Wednesday won't be back for 48 hours.

For more information, residents can contact EAWA at 367-7448.