MECHANICSBURG, Pa. (WHTM) — A mandatory water conservation order is in effect for approximately 42,000 customer connections in Pennsylvania American Water’s Mechanicsburg water system due to an oil spill from an underground storage tank at the Cumberland-Perry Area Career and Technical Center.
The Department of Environmental Protection said some of the oil ended up in Condoguient Creek and they have been focused on an area near Cumberland Perry Area Career and Technical Center.
The Department of Environmental Protection says it’s not known how much oil leaked into the waterway, but that the tank contained 9,100 gallons of heating oil and recently passwed a pressurized tightness test in August. There are no known impacts to wildlife at this time.
According to Pennsylvania American Water, this includes the following municipalities:
- Silver Spring Township
- Hampden Township
- Lower Allen Township
- Lemoyne Borough
- Wormleysburg Borough
- East Pennsboro Township
- New Cumberland Borough
- Fairview Township
- Shiremanstown Borough
- Camp Hill Borough
- Newberry Township
Customers are asked to temporarily limit their water use to essential purposes only, with a targeted use reduction between 10-15%.
The water company has stated this follows an “unexpected incident” affecting the company’s Silver Spring Water Treatment Plant water source. The company is working to resolve the issue as soon as possible.
In addition, the company has increased its production at the West Shore Water Treatment Plant, which also serves the Mechanicsburg water system.
Pennsylvania American Water is notifying affected customers through its automated emergency notification system. The company will provide updates, as needed, and will notify customers when the conservation order is lifted. For more information, visit pennsylvaniaamwater.com and area click on ‘Alerts’.
