On January 3, Weatherly Borough issued a water emergency alert on social media. More than a
week later, and residents on the west side of the borough are still under a boil advisory. This comes when, on January 3, the borough’s emergency management issued the alert due to a “water emergency.” A post to social media stated that the west side was without water and advised residents to shut off water heaters, furnaces, and boilers due to the risk of fires.
In a release, Borough Manager Tracy Grover confirmed there was a leak in the system and that
“the pump at the transfer station was not working due to a faulty transducer.” It was reported that
the transducer was replaced and the borough was attempting to locate the leak, but due to the loss
of pressure, they were unable to find the leak.
Along with the release came a tier one public notice. A segment read: “A situation that causes a loss of positive pressure in any portion system where there is evidence of contamination or a water supplier suspects a high risk of contamination has the potential to cause adverse health effects.”
Later that night, the borough had brought in a water buffalo, stationing it at Eurana Park. A
warming shelter was also put in place.
It was at that time that the borough reported that the system was beginning to stabilize and that
residents would begin to see a gradual increase in pressure.
By January 5, the borough reported that tank levels were rising. The first water samples were
taken that same day and sent to the Department of Environmental Protection for testing.
Following confirmation from the second test, the borough officially announced the boil advisory
had been lifted, only to be reinstated less than twenty-four hours after the announcement was
made, following another loss of pressure due to a water main break.
In a second release, issued by Grover, the nature of the leak was detailed. Identifying its location
in the borough’s east side, but affecting the west. The leak was also located in the vicinity of
Carbon and Second Streets, which the borough reported fixed later that same day.
A water buffalo was brought back and remains at Eurana Park.
On January 12, the borough took to social media, confirming tests would be done that day as
well as the following day. If the results come back negative, the borough will ask for approval
from the DEP to lift the advisory.