Crews work to repair massive water main break in N. Huntingdon Twp.

NORTH HUNTINGDON TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A massive water main break caused flooding and a landslide in North Huntingdon Township and prompted a boil water alert in nearby areas.

The 30-inch break was reported along Route 993 around 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, and motorists were told to avoid the roadway between Mahaffey Hill Road and Pine Hollow Road.  The detour added 15 to 20 minutes to drivers' commutes.

Officials said crews were attempting to loosen some rock with dynamite, and the blast broke the line, sending water and debris onto the roadway.

The Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County said repairs won't be completed until Wednesday morning.

About 160 water customers in the area of the break were without water or with little water Tuesday night.

North Versailles and Wall Borough have been placed on a boil water alert until test samples are completed.

“We experienced a loss of positive water pressure due to a waterline break.  A loss of positive water pressure is a signal of the existence of conditions that could allow contamination to enter the distribution system through backflow by back-pressure. As a result, there is an increased chance that the water may contain disease-causing organisms,” the authority said.

The authority said it is flushing the system thoroughly to reestablish disinfectant residuals and then conducting multiple bacteriological samples.

Customers should bring all water to a rolling boil, let it boil for one minute and let it cool before using or use bottled water. You should use boiled or bottled water for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth and food preparation until further notice, the authority said.

Water buffaloes and bottled water will be provided at Route 993 and Fundistown Road and the ball field in South Trafford.

WPXI