ALLENTOWN – A water emergency that was in place in Allentown over the weekend of Jan. 13-15 was lifted on Jan. 17.
The source of the problem was found to be a leaking pipe in a vacant home on Church Street that resulted in hundreds of thousands of gallons of water pouring into the basement of the residence, Mayor Greg Westfall said.
Westfall said the issue came to light when the borough’s water treatment plant operator noted that the level in Allentown’s water tank was declining and that the pumps were running 24 hours a day to maintain the appropriate level.
He said the water tank was not leaking and officials could not locate a visible leak on any street. A leak detection company was engaged and eventually identified the property at 50 Church St. as the home where the water was leaking.
“People had water in their homes and businesses, but we were hemorrhaging water,” Westfall said. “This went on for a day-and-a-half and we were worried that in the event of a fire, we would not have enough capacity.”
Once the source of the problem was identified, water to the home was shut off at the curb. The Hope Fire Company responded to the scene and pumped out 4 feet of water from the basement, the mayor said.
In a press release, officials said that while the emergency order was in place, residents were asked to conserve water. Allentown’s water plant supervisor, John Holden, said the water system was never at risk of contamination due to the leak, according to the press release.
Officials said some residents called and reported they had yellow water, but said that was not related to the leak in the vacant home.
Officials said Holden reported that yellowing of water may occur when the air temperature is extremely cold and then warms up rapidly. The discoloration is iron or sediment that is being stirred up in the pipes when ice moves in the water main, individual homes or service lines.
Residents can let the cold water run until it is clear. If the water does not clear up in a few minutes, residents should turn off the water, wait an hour and repeat, according to the press release.
During the Borough Council meeting on Jan. 16, the water emergency was discussed. Members of the public and the council said that in trying to get word out to residents, issues arose with the town’s emergency notification system.
Officials said additional training as it pertains to the emergency notification system will be provided to borough personnel if necessary and they said steps will be taken to ensure the system operates smoothly when it is needed in the future.
In other business, Allentown will see changes on several boards and committees. During the meeting, the council:
• Accepted Robert Kline’s resignation from the Shade Tree Commission
• Accepted Ann Garrison’s resignation from the Mayor’s Traffic Ad Hoc Committee and from the Regional Traffic Subcommittee
• Accepted Peter Russo’s resignation from the Environmental Commission
• Appointed Elaine Saullo to the Mayor’s Traffic Ad Hoc Committee
• Appointed B.J. Horner to the Mayor’s Senior Citizen Ad Hoc Committee
• Accepted Viki Toor’s resignation from the Economic Development Commission
• Resetting membership positions on the Economic Development Commission