Customers without water in Allegheny, Washington counties after massive water main break

A 48-inch water main break significantly damaged a volunteer fire department Friday night, leaving hundreds in parts of Washington and Allegheny counties under a boil water advisory or without water. The massive break occurred outside the Elrama Volunteer Fire Department in Unity Township, Washington County, just before 11:30 p.m. Friday night. WHAT WE KNOW: 48-inch break occurred late Friday night Elrama VFD sustained damage, Jeep fell into sinkhole Some Washington, Allegheny County customers impactedCould take up to 20 hours to repairNo injuries reportedElrama President and Assistant Chief Lenny Bailey said crews had just returned to the station when the break occurred, saying crews almost got trapped inside as water began to enter the fire station. “As they were running, they got trapped in the back crew room. As they worked to get the door open, they were able to exit the building, with water up to about their knees,” Bailey said. No injuries were reported. Pennsylvania American Water told Action News 4 in a statement that a power surge caused a “depletion of water storage” at a tank near the Aldrich Water Treatment Plant in Elrama. The surge resulted in a loss of positive pressure in their distribution system. The American Water said repairs are expected to take approximately 20 hours and that crews remain on the scene working to make repairs. Action News 4 was on the scene hours following the incident, where a vehicle was seen being pulled from a sinkhole caused by the break outside of the fire department. Bailey said the vehicle was given to his son, and was seen being shot up into the air when the main break happened. “The Jeep was here floating in the air, and the road was caved in,” Bailey said. “It was my son’s vehicle that ended up in the crick here, or the hole.” Photos from inside the fire department response building also showed large amounts of mud and damage inside. Pa. State Rep. Andrew Kuzma said as of Saturday morning, 90 homes were without water, and 95,000 customers have been placed under a boil water advisory. Allegheny County officials later issued a statement, saying the following areas remain under the advisory: Bethel Park, Clairton, Dravosburg, Elizabeth Township, Elizabeth Borough, Glassport, Jefferson Hills Borough, Liberty, Lincoln, North Fayette, South Fayette, South Park, Upper Saint Clair, and West Elizabeth.Officials with the water company said those impacted “may experience discolored or cloudy water, low water pressure, or no water.” Pennsylvania American Water has issued a boil-water advisory for customers across Allegheny and Washington counties. They said customers should not drink the water without boiling it first. Crews are working to get a water buffalo staged in the area. Union Township officials said a warming center will be open at the Union Township building for anyone affected. Chief Bailey said it is unclear if the fire department building is a total loss. He said there is extensive structural damage and mutual aid partners, along with the Pa. American Water Disaster Recovery Team is assisting with damage control and emergency response. “We’re just counting our lucky stars,” Bailey said. “It’s gonna be a process…but the community response from our partners has been amazing.” This is a developing story. Download the WTAE app to stay connected with breaking news. Sign up for our email newsletters to get breaking news in your inbox.

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