The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has issued a boil advisory for East Brady, which also supplies water to Rimersburg and Petrolia.
According to the release from the DEP, on June 27, a mislabeled shipment of a chemical identified to be sodium bisulfite was mistakenly fed, resulting in a loss of disinfection at the East Brady Borough water system treatment plant.
East Brady Water System has worked with the DEP, its certified operator, and the chemical supplier to identify the previously unknown chemical as sodium bisulfite which in itself is NSF International approved as an additive to drinking water, and not a human health concern at the concentrations added to the water system.
The sodium bisulfite that was mistakenly introduced to the water system acted as a dechlorinating agent, resulting in a loss of disinfection and inadequately treated water being sent to customers, according to the release.
The release states that all residents should boil their water for one minute and let it cool before using or use bottled water.
Boiled water or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes and food preparation until further notice, the release said.
According to Susan Buechele East Brady secretary/treasurer, the water must be tested for three days before the DEP will deem it safe. The borough had one day of safe testing on Sunday, and will continue to test the water Monday and Tuesday.
The DEP will send another release to residents when the water is safe to drink again.
