Authorities are advising residents in a large part of Horsham Township to boil or buy water this week, after chlorine disinfection dropped below the state-required minimum.
The Horsham Water and Sewer Authority released an announcement Thursday at 5 p.m. that residents bound by Limekiln Pike, and County Line, Blair Mill and Welsh roads should boil their water for one minute or use bottled water before drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes or preparing food.
The issue has been resolved, the Water and Sewer Authority said, however residents should remain boiling or buying bottled water until further notice, as authorities are waiting for bacteriological test results.
Contamination could have been due to human or animal wastes, authorities said. Microbes in these wastes can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches and other symptoms. This bacteria may pose a special health risk for infants, young children, some of the elderly and people with severely compromised immune systems, according to the warning from authorities.
The notice is expected to be lifted by Saturday, June 2.
General information on ways to lessen risk of infection can be found at EPA Safe Drinking Water
Hotline at 800.426.4791.