Hellertown Authority Boil Water Order Continues Through Tuesday

A boil water advisory for Hellertown Borough Authority customers will remain in effect until at least noon Tuesday following a “significant” water main break last Thursday.

The authority, which provides water and sewer service to approximately 2,600 properties in the borough and parts of Lower Saucon Township, said a power outage at the laboratory used for water testing made previously obtained samples unusable.

New water samples were collected Sunday and more will be gathered Monday afternoon, the authority said in a notice to customers. 

The authority is working with the lab and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) to obtain new samples.

“We understand this situation is inconvenient and frustrating, and we appreciate your continued patience and cooperation as we work with the lab and PADEP to ensure the safety and quality of your water supply,” the authority said in the notice.

The authority has been advising customers of the advisory via email and phone calls.

The Giant Food Store in Lower Saucon Township reported Monday that they did have bottled water available.

Customers are advised to boil water for drinking, brushing teeth, washing fruits and vegetables, preparing foods, mixing baby formula, making ice, giving water to pets, use in coffee makers and washing dishes by hand.

The authority noted that water does not need to be boiled for washing clothes, taking showers (without drinking the water), flushing toilets, washing a car, household cleaning and in dishwashers with a sanitizing cycle.

Most household water filters do not remove bacteria or viruses, the authority said.

Babies or young children can be bathed with a sponge bath using water that has been boiled and cooled.