West Philadelphia water safe to drink, water department says

Residents in a section of West Philadelphia can safely drink their water without boiling it, the city’s water department said Tuesday.

No bacteria was detected in the system, which was thoroughly flushed, officials said. A boil water advisory had been issued Sunday night to about 18,000 properties, most in Overbrook and Wynnefield.

Water department officials said the decision to lift the advisory was approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

Over the weekend, a pumping station in the area failed, decreasing water pressure and creating the possibility of a vacuum effect through which bacteria could enter the pipes.