COLUMBIA, Pa. (WHTM) -
It is possible Columbia Water Company's 'do not consume' advisory could be lifted later tonight, according to the company manager.
The manager said preliminary tests show the water is not contaminated but the company is waiting for several other tests to come back before lifting the advisory, which was issued to about 8,600 customers, about 20,000 people, in Columbia Borough, Mountville Borough, West Hempfield Township and Manor Township yesterday afternoon.
The advisory comes after the water company reported a break-in at one of its storage tank locations. The company said it was not immediately known whether the water in the storage tank was tampered with during the break-in, but the Department of Environmental Protection is testing the affected tank and distribution system.
If the water is found to have been contaminated, the tanks will need to be sterilized or replaced, which could take several more days if not weeks.
Columbia Borough schools were closed Friday in light of the advisory.
While the advisory is in effect, the company is providing tankers of water, which are stationed at the Columbia Shopping Plaza and the Columbia Shopping Center. Residents will need to bring their own containers to carry water.
Tap water should not be used for drinking, cooking, food preparation, oral hygiene, or for pets until further notice, officials said. If ice cubes were made with tap water before 3:30 p.m. on March 13 they should be thrown away.
The water can be used for sanitary purposes such as showering, washing your hands, flushing the toilet and bathing but not for brushing your teeth, washing dishes or any other form of consumption.
