In a recent government meeting, concerns were raised regarding a significant water service disruption experienced by Pennsylvania American Water customers in the West Shore area. The incident, which occurred on August 25, left many residents without water pressure, leading to a boil water advisory that was poorly communicated.

A speaker highlighted the severity of the situation, noting that the lack of water pressure posed serious health risks, particularly in terms of sanitation and fire safety. The absence of water pressure meant that fire hydrants would not function in case of emergencies, raising alarms about public safety. The speaker criticized Pennsylvania American Water for its inadequate response and lack of technology to promptly identify and communicate the issue to affected customers.

Cumberland County officials acknowledged the delay in issuing an emergency declaration, which came hours after the problem was reported. They defended their response timeline, stating they were alerted to the situation late Friday night and acted accordingly the following day. The Department of Public Safety was involved in coordinating responses, including notifying fire companies and ensuring healthcare facilities maintained water access.

Despite the challenges, officials expressed satisfaction with the overall response efforts, including the establishment of water distribution stations. They emphasized that fire companies were prepared to transport water in case of emergencies, although the public may not have been fully aware of these contingency plans.

The meeting underscored the need for improved communication and emergency preparedness protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.