Updated Mar 15, 2013 12:11
Columbia Borough School District was closed Friday while the state continued testing the community water supply for possible contaminants.
A "Do Not Consume" order issued to about 8,700 customers after a break-in at a water plant overnight Wednesday remains in effect.
The school was closed as a precaution, said Jeff Helm, health officer and zoning and planning officer for the borough.
Helm said he advised school district Superintendent Barry Clippinger Thursday night that water fountains would be off limits and food workers would have to use bottled water if the schools stayed open.
"Hand washing at this point," Helm added, "it's all questionable."
Helm said Friday morning that the state Department of Environmental Protection was checking for a wide array of potential foreign substances.
Let's hope not, but here's an update from ABC 27 News.
(The link to the original article, which has more information, is at the bottom of this post.)
We've heard the bad news, now here's the (potential) worse news:
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 bathing and washing but not for washing dishes.
UPDATE: Nearly 9,000 water customers in Lancaster County are not allowed to consume their water even if it's boiled. However, officials now say it is safe to bathe and wash clothes.
Columbia Water Company issued the ban saying the water may have been contaminated after someone broke into one of the water storage tanks The ban is affecting Columbia, Mountville and parts of Manor Township.
Because of this schools and offices in Columbia School District are closed today as is Columbia Child Care and Learning.
Officials say tests will be done to see if the water is safe - but that could take a few days. In the meantime water buffaloes have been set up so people can bring their own containers and take as much water as needed.
COLUMBIA, PA - Columbia Water customers should not drink water March 14, 2013 03:15 PM EDT
Customers of Columbia Water Company have been asked to not drink water due to potential contamination, according to company officials.
Officials said a break-in at a storage tank/pumping station happened early Thursday and they are not sure if the water was tampered with.
Customers in the Marietta Division of Columbia Water company are not affected.
Columbia police said they were called to a storage tank north of the borough about noon Thursday.
Below is the full statement from company officials.
Columbia Water Company is issuing a "DO NOT CONSUME" order for customers of Columbia Water Company due to potential contamination of the drinking water supply. It was discovered today that a break-in occurred over night at one of the storage tank/pumping station locations. At this time, it is unknown if the water in the storage tank was tampered with.
This notice applies to the following customers: All customers of Columbia Water Company except those in the Marietta Division.
DO NOT DRINK THE WATER UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. Customers are asked to not use the water for drinking, cooking, food preparation, oral hygiene or providing to pets until further notice.
Throw away ice cubes if made with tap water after 3:30 p.m. on March 13. The water can be used for sanitary purposes such as bathing and washing. If you have specific health concerns, you may wish to consult your doctor.
Alternative water supplies are being provided by Columbia Water Company. Columbia Water will be providing a water tanker to residents as needed. The water tankers will be stationed at the Columbia Shopping Plaza and the Columbia Shopping Center. You will need to bring your own containers to transport your water.
Corrective actions are being taken by Columbia Water Company. We have isolated the storage tank that was possibly tampered with. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection is conducting sampling of the tank and the distribution system to identify any potential contamination. We will be draining the tank after sampling has been conducted.
Columbia Water Company anticipates resolving the problem within 3-5 days. Notice will be issued when the problem is resolved and this advisory has been lifted.
For more information visit our website at ColumbiaWaterCo.com or call the Columbia Water Company at 717-684-2188.
Most Popular Stories
