Boil Water Advisory Continues For Much of Mercer County

UPDATE: The Boil Water Advisory was lifted Saturday afternoon. It is now safe to drink and use water in the previously affected areas once again.

ORIGINAL COVERAGE: Frustrations are growing as a boil water advisory continues for the second day across much of Mercer County

Trenton Water Works is still telling their customers in Trenton, Hamilton Township, Ewing Township, and Lawrence Township to boil their water until further notice.

According to the original advisory from Trenton Water Works, which was released on Friday (September 27th), Chlorination levels (a water disinfection process) were too low due to an equipment malfunction in the water distribution system.

The malfunction had been corrected by Friday afternoon, but local officials say that the advisory will not be lifted until the chlorination levels reach a safe level. Tests will continue on the system until that occurs.

Unfortunately, it sounds likely that the boil water advisory could remain in effect until at least the end of the day on Saturday.

94.5 PST reached out to Trenton Water Works for an official comment on Saturday afternoon, and a recorded voicemail message said the order “will likely remain in effect until tomorrow.” It was not immediately clear when the message was recorded.

Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking; preparing foods; mixing baby formula, food, juices or drinks; washing vegetables and fruit; cooking; making ice; brushing teeth, and washing dishes until further notice. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE BOIL WATER ADVISORY:

SHOWERING: It is OK to take a shower, officials say. However, do not swallow water while showering or bathing.

PETS: Provide pets with drinking water that has been boiled (and cooled).

WASHING DISHES: Rinse hand-washed dishes with a diluted bleach solution (one tablespoon of household bleach per gallon of tap water) or clean your dishes in a dishwasher using the hot wash cycle and dry cycle.

Additional tips include:

Discard uncooked food, beverages, or ice cubes made with tap water during the day of the advisory.

• Keep boiled water in the refrigerator for drinking.
• Do not use home filtering devices in place of boiling or using bottled water; most home water filters will not provide adequate protection from microorganisms.

HOW TO SAFELY BOIL YOUR WATER:
Trenton Water Works instructs you to bring all tap water to a rolling boil for one minute and then let cool before using or use bottled water.

How convenient... ugh.

Trenton Water Works has been plagued with problems over the last few years, leaving customers with a bad taste in their mouth...literally. Many residents have switched to bottled water, or have installed costly filters in their homes, frustrated that they're still paying the lacking service.