Residents in eastern Cumberland County were met with unexpected closures of popular shopping and dining locations on Saturday, following a water main break in the Mechanicsburg system announced by Pennsylvania American Water on Friday. The incident caused a storage tank to drain, resulting in some customers being left without water service and others experiencing limited pressure.
The impact of the water main break was felt by approximately 42,000 customers in Cumberland and northern York counties. Affected areas included Camp Hill, Lemoyne, New Cumberland, Shiremanstown, West Fairview, and Wormleysburg boroughs; East Pennsboro, Hampden, Lower Allen, and Silver Spring townships; as well as parts of Middlesex, Upper Allen, Fairview, and Newberry townships.
Reports from residents indicated that popular locations such as Walmart and Sheetz on Carlisle Pike in Hampden Township were closed entirely. Other residents mentioned experiencing low water pressure or closures at nearby shopping and dining establishments. The extent of the closures and the duration of the disruption remained unclear at the time.
In response to the water main break, Pennsylvania American Water provided designated locations for customers to pick up water bottles. These locations included Cedar Cliff High School in Camp Hill, Adams Ricci Park in Enola, New Kingstown Fire Co. in Mechanicsburg, and Creekview Park in Mechanicsburg. Customers were advised that they would receive either one large pack or two small packs of water bottles.
The situation led to traffic congestion in Lower Allen Township, particularly near Cedar Cliff High School, prompting police to urge individuals not picking up water bottles to avoid the area. Pennsylvania American Water also issued guidelines for residents to boil water before use, emphasizing the importance of using boiled or bottled water for various purposes such as drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth, and preparing food until further notice.
As residents navigated the challenges posed by the water main break, the community came together to support one another and ensure access to essential resources. The incident served as a reminder of the importance of preparedness in the face of unexpected disruptions and highlighted the resilience of the community in overcoming challenges.