The State College Borough Water Authority has issued a boil order, saying the local water supply may be at increased risk from microbial contamination in isolated locations around the borough, according to a statement issued on Wednesday morning.
The authority's statement advises State College residents in the affected areas to boil tap water before drinking or to use bottled water. It also recommends using boiled water for making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth and preparing food until further notice.
The statement said residents living at 1700 - 1820 South Atherton Street; 105 - 164 Joyce Drive; 110 - 151 Suzy Circle; 112 - 129 Vivian Way and 800 West Branch Road will experience a loss of water pressure and possible water contamination.
The area experienced a loss of water pressure due to a 20-inch water main failure around 1 p.m. Tuesday, the statement said.
"A loss of positive water pressure is a signal of the existence of conditions that could allow contamination to enter the distribution system through back-flow by back-pressure or back-siphonage," the statement read. "As a result, there is an increased chance that the water may contain disease-causing organisms."
