Lockport Township – Boil water notice

A boil-water notice has been issued for Lockport Township residents following an equipment malfunction of its water-system infrastructure.
The notice was issued Sunday by Jennifer Ransbottom, director of utility management services for Jones Petrie Rafinski.
According to the order, the township’s water system lost pressure over the weekend due to an equipment malfunction. Consequently, neither of two wells activated to fill the tower and the water level inside the tower dropped to a low point, which reduced pressure to customers.
As soon as the incident was discovered, both pumps were activated to begin filling the tower and water started returning to customers.
During the low-pressure period, however, there is a chance that fecal coliforms and e. coli bacteria could have gotten into the system, according to the notice. Therefore, in compliance with state requirements, the boil-water notice is in effect.
The order recommends potentially affected customers bring water to a boil and allow it to boil for at least one minute, then let it cool before using. Bottled water is also a recommended alternative.
Chlorine is being added to the system and hydrants are being flushed to pull the chlorine through the system.
Ransbottom said she anticipate the problem will be resolved by mid-week.