The Borough of Carlisle’s water distribution system includes approximately 77 miles of water mains. We work hard to maintain this vital infrastructure, but occasionally, water main breaks occur.
Learn about what causes a water main break, how to report one, and what to do under a Boil Water Advisory.
Winter Weather: During the winter, the ground freezes and thaws, causing pipes to shift and stress. The cold temperatures can also make pipes more brittle, increasing the risk of breaks under pressure.- Age: A portion of our water distribution mains are aging, which makes them more susceptible to breaks.
- Materials: Older pipes are made of cast-iron, which can rust and wear over time.
- Increased Demand: When temperatures rise, the demand for water also increases. High summer demand increases stress on pipes, which can contribute to breaks.
- Water flowing or leaking out of the ground.
- Water pooling on streets or sidewalks.
- Sudden reduced water pressure.
- Temporary discoloration of tap water
- Call 717-249-4422 during regular business hours (M-F, 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.).
- Call 717-226-0364 after hours, weekends, or holidays.
State regulations require a Boil Water Advisory whenever all or part of the water distribution system loses positive pressure, such as during a significant water main break. This pressure loss does not mean that contaminants have been found, only that conditions exist where bacteria could enter the system.
As a precaution, boiling water kills any bacteria that might be present.
Most advisories will last 48 hours. State regulations require two consecutive days of clean water sample results before lifting a Boil Water Advisory.
State regulations require a Boil Water Advisory to be issued to impacted customers within 24 hours of a positive pressure loss event.
The Borough uses several methods:
- Direct delivery methods approved by the PA Department of Environmental Protection (hand delivery, email, phone alerts).
- Our CodeRED Emergency alert system (calls, texts, emails) is used for larger water main breaks. (Register for CodeRED here.)
- Public postings on the Borough’s website and social media channels.
- Boil tap water before using it for:
Drinking- Cooking
- Making ice
- Washing food
- Brushing teeth
- Bring water to a rolling boil for at least one minute and then let it cool before use.
- Household dishwashers are safe to use, provided the water reaches at least 150 degrees Fahrenheit or the dishwasher has a sanitizing cycle.
- You do not need to boil your water for showering or bathing.
- People with weakened immune systems, infants, and some elderly people may be at an increased risk. These people should seek advice from their healthcare providers about drinking water during a Boil Water Advisory.
- Flush cold water faucets for at least 5 minutes
- Flush your hot water heater by running water long enough to replace a full tank.
- If you have a water softener, run the water through a regeneration cycle.
- Empty and clean automatic ice makers, dispose of any ice made during the advisory, and run the machine through a 24-hour cycle.
Yes, we maintain an inventory of all water main breaks and their locations. This information helps guide our long-term Water Main Replacement Project and prioritize areas most in need of upgrades.
Each year, we invest capital funds to replace approximately 1-2 miles of water main. We also coordinate with PennDOT to replace water mains in areas where road paving is planned. This helps avoid cutting into newly paved streets and reduces future disruptions for residents.