Washington County cleanup continues after water main break

A 48-inch water main broke late Friday in Union Township, Washington County, leaving dozens without service and prompting a boil water advisory for nearly 95,000 customers; crews worked through the weekend to clean up and officials hope to lift the advisory by Sunday evening.

A large water main broke late Friday in Union Township, Washington County, and crews spent the weekend cleaning up along Elrama Avenue. The break occurred in front of the volunteer fire department and sent water across the roadway, creating icy conditions. Dozens of nearby homes lost water service and Pennsylvania American Water placed nearly 95,000 customers under a boil water advisory across Washington County and southern Allegheny County. Officials said the advisory followed a power surge at a nearby treatment plant that lowered storage tank levels. What is known: - A 48-inch water main broke just after 11:20 p.m. Friday in front of the Union Township volunteer fire department. - At least 90 households near the break lost water service and nearly 95,000 customers were placed under a boil water advisory. - Pennsylvania American Water reported a power surge at a nearby treatment plant that caused low storage tank levels and prompted the advisory. - Crews conducted cleanup over the weekend and the Salvation Army delivered bottled water and a refilling station to support the community. Summary: The break affected thousands of customers and disrupted local businesses and services, with at least one vehicle reported damaged near the firehouse. Officials hope to lift the boil water advisory by Sunday evening; the next official update was not stated in the report.