MILROY — The Mifflin County Municipal Authority issued a Do Not Drink Notice Saturday morning for all customers after a commercial truck overturned near the Laurel Creek Dam and released fuel, oil and other fluids into the reservoir, prompting concerns about possible contamination of the public water supply.

The advisory took effect at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, according to the authority, which said the notice was being issued “out of an abundance of caution” following the April 17 accident at the Laurel Creek Dam/Reservoir.

While no contamination has been confirmed in treated water, the authority said the precaution is necessary because the system must resume drawing from the reservoir to meet demand.

Water distribution set for Sunday

To ensure residents are staying hydrated, drinking water will be available for residents at two locations on Sunday, April 19:

• 8 a.m. to noon at the Mifflin County Water Authority, 5300 Old US Highway 322, Milroy;

• 1 to 4 p.m. at Lewistown Police Department, 70 Chestnut St., Lewistown.

For more information, email mcma@mifflincountyh2o.com

Accident prompts emergency response

According to MCMA Executive Director Craig Bubb, the crash involved an overturned commercial truck that “resulted in a fuel, fluid, oil leak in the Laurel Creek Dam/Reservoir.” Emergency personnel and environmental officials responded Friday as containment and assessment efforts began.

Bubb said the situation was complicated by an unrelated electrical failure that occurred around the same time. An electrical transformer surge caused “a catastrophic loss to one of the primary alternate water sources,” leaving the system without a key backup supply.

Without that alternate source, the authority said it cannot maintain adequate water levels for all customers unless it resumes withdrawing water from the Laurel Creek Reservoir — the same reservoir affected by the spill.

The Laurel Creek Filtration Plant was scheduled to “resume water withdraw from the reservoir and treatment, and begin distributing to the system Saturday, April 18, 2026,” according to a press release issued on Saturday morning.

Precautionary advisory issued

The authority emphasized that no contamination has been detected in treated water but said the advisory is necessary to protect public health while testing is underway.

“While no contamination has been confirmed in the treated water at this time, this precautionary measure is necessary to protect public health and ensure system reliability,” Bubb said. “Emergency testing resources are being deployed to expedite water quality test results.”

The advisory instructs residents not to drink tap water under any circumstances until further notice.

Instructions for residents

The authority outlined clear steps for customers to follow:

• Use bottled water only for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth and making ice.

• Do not boil tap water. “Boiling may not remove chemical contaminants,” the release said.

The advisory does not affect non consumption uses such as bathing, laundry or cleaning, though the authority recommends minimizing unnecessary water use until the system stabilizes.

Testing and mitigation underway

Bubb said its technical team is conducting “intensive water quality testing and monitoring” in coordination with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Samples are being collected from multiple points in the system, including raw water, treated water and distribution lines.

The authority said it is working to restore system reliability and evaluate the extent of the spill’s impact. Cleanup and containment efforts at the reservoir are ongoing.

Alternative water sources will be made available to residents, with times and locations to be announced at mifflincountyh2o.com.

Public updates expected

The authority said it will release additional information as soon as test results are available. A “Problem Corrected” notice will be issued once testing confirms the water is safe for all uses.

“We will provide updates as soon as more information is available,” Bubb said.

Residents seeking more information may visit mifflincountyh2o.com or email MCMA@mifflincountyh2o.com.

County setting up water distribution site

Mifflin County – in conjunction with the Mifflin County Water Authority – is currently planning to open a water distribution sites in the Lewistown area. This will provide limited quantities of drinking water for those affected by the Do Not Consume Order.

This site will be open each day and remain open as supplies last. It is expected that we will have these drinking water supplies available for the duration of the Do Not Consume Order. The operating times and location will be announced once delivery of the water is finalized and the site is prepared. The announcement will be made via web, social media and local news releases.

From Mifflin County School District

Mifflin County School District Superintendent of Schools Vance Varner said in a release: “Please be assured that the district will have safe drinking water available for all students and stqff when school resumes on Monday, April 20. We are also coordinating with food services to ensure meals are prepared and served safely.”

All schools except Strodes Mills Elementary School utilize water from the MCMA.

Coroner investigating fatal single-vehicle crash

According to a release issued on Saturday, the Mifflin County Coroner’s Office is investigating a fatal single-vehicle tractor trailer crash that occurred on the Seven Mountains on Friday, April 17, at 2:45 a.m. The tractor trailer traveled through a guardrail ad into Laurel Creek Reservoir.

Coroner Andrea Alcalde identified the deceased as Steven Larrabee, 72, of Christiana, Lancaster County. He was pronounced dead at the scene, the release said.

Due to the location of the crash and the tractor trailer entering the reservoir, a coordinated effort among multiple agencies was required to safely access and recover Larrabee.

Alcalde said an autopsy will be performed to determine the cause and manner of death. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash remains ongoing.

Businesses across region closing or lessening hours

Some restaurants and other businesses in the impacted Lewistown area are closing down or lessening their hours due to the incident. It might be wise to call before traveling out.