Dan Stamm

Boil Water Advisory Lifted in 2 Montgomery County Communities After Contamination Fears

A boil water advisory is in effect in parts of Plymouth Township and Norristown after a water main break

What to Know

  • Residents in Norristown and Plymouth Township in Pennsylvania were told to boil their tap water Monday.
  • A water main leading to pressure loss is being blamed for the action, Pennsylvania American Water said.
  • The boil water advisory was lifted Wednesday. Residents must now flush their pipes.

Update: The problem has been corrected and Pennsylvania American Water lifted the boil water advisory Wednesday. They suggest people run all the cold water faucets in their home at one time for at least five minutes to flush the pipes. More tips are listed on their site.


Residents in parts of two Montgomery County communities are being urged to boil their water until further notice due to a water main break.

Pennsylvania America Water issued the boil water advisory Monday for about 1,700 customers in Norristown and Plymouth Township. PAW released a map showing the exact boil water zone.

A loss of water pressure in the neighborhoods could cause contamination due to backflow, the water company said.

“Inadequately treated water may contain disease-causing organisms,” PAW said in a news release. “These organisms include bacteria, viruses and parasites, which can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea and associated headaches.”

Residents are urged to bring water to a boil for at least a minute before consuming or use bottled water for activities like making ice, brushing teeth and cleaning dishes.

As the break is fixed, American Water set up two water tanker stations that will be open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Just remember to bring your own containers to fill up.)

  • Curren Terrace Apartments,1011 New Hope Street, Norristown
  • CareerLink,1855 New Hope Street, Norristown

Crews will continue to analyze water samples until the all-clear can be given, PAW said.

PAW suggested anyone with questions of concern contact their customer service center at (800) 565- 7292. People concerned over bacterial exposure or wanting to learn more can also contact the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.

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