Water. Co. should notify those affected by shut offs
Mayview Road has been experiencing some water improvements and repairs, as has Boyce Road. Living in this area, I have been impacted by this work, as I am sure many others have been as well.
My goal is to ensure that the public’s best interest be represented and upheld by our local water authorities and Pennsylvania American Water. My experience with and awareness of practices taken up by those in charge with supplying us with water seem to fall short of what I consider average up-to-date, safe and secure technologically advanced decisions, policies and procedures.
I wish to incite others to call for action concerning the following:
When performing a standard non emergency venting or reducing of pressure on a high volume high pressure water line, through the means of discharging water from a particular or number of sources (fire hydrant, other) do so in a manner which will not place that discharge into the direct path of traffic when possible. And when not possible, will require posting of such through multiple signs prior to entrance and exit of all affected traffic. Such was not the case nearing the entrance of Morrow Road to Mayview Road in early December. The fear and uncertainty that I felt for myself and my children once entering that discharge could have been prevented.
Also concerning emergency shut offs – unscheduled water shut off’s – such as those that took place recently, Pennsylvania American Water was informed and aware that a line had been ruptured, yet they took no action by the means of notifying residents that were affected that their water would be shut off for a period of time and that they should make appropriations. They have informed me that they do have a policy to notify residents of scheduled water shut offs, but they are unable to do so in emergency situations. I find that unacceptable.
We as residents could have, and I believe should have, been notified – when there are the means at hand to notify all effected residences with an email, text message and/or automated voice call.
Justin Beinhauer
Upper St. Clair