A Water Main Break in Cumberland County: What You Need to Know
A Morning of Disruption for Hampden Township Neighbors
Imagine waking up in the middle of the night to the sound of construction and jackhammers. That's what happened to residents of Hampden Township in Cumberland County when a water main break occurred early Monday morning. The break not only caused a temporary inconvenience but also raised concerns about the quality of their water.
The Impact on the Community
Mindy Fraser, a resident of Hampden Township, described the disruption: "A lot of construction, a lot of jackhammering, a lot of noise, a lot of dump trucks. The inconvenience is showering and being up all night listening to the beep, beep, beep." Fraser's experience highlights the challenges faced by the community, where water main breaks are not uncommon, occurring every three to five years.
Addressing the Issue: Pennsylvania American Water's Response
Pennsylvania American Water Company, responsible for the water supply, has taken proactive measures. They have not identified a specific cause for the break but attribute it to sudden temperature and pressure changes. The company is currently replacing much of the West Shore's aging piping, some of which is decades old.
Joseph Woodward, the senior operations director, assured residents: "We fixed it. And then we will go back and look at the history of that pipe. We take a look at all of our pipes that break and we take a look at the age of all of our pipes and we'll actually put in a model that will actually score each one of our mains to see if it's eligible for a waterline replacement project."
Mitigating Discoloration and Air in Water
For those affected by discoloration or air in their water, Pennsylvania American Water offers a simple solution. They advise residents to run their taps for a few minutes, allowing the water to clear. If issues persist, they encourage residents to contact their customer service center for further assistance.
Looking Ahead: Water Line Replacement Projects
The company's commitment to addressing the issue is evident in their efforts to replace 19,000 feet of water mains in Mechanicsburg last year. With over 500 miles of piping currently under maintenance, Pennsylvania American Water is taking a comprehensive approach to ensure the reliability and safety of the water supply for residents in affected areas.
Stay Informed, Stay Connected
As the water main break in Cumberland County is resolved, residents are encouraged to stay informed about any updates from Pennsylvania American Water. By being proactive and addressing concerns, the community can ensure a more stable and reliable water supply for years to come. Remember, if you're dealing with discoloration or air in your water, don't hesitate to contact the company's customer service center for assistance.
