LEWISTOWN — Mifflin County residents spent Saturday searching for bottled water after a fatal tractor trailer crash into the Laurel Creek Reservoir and a separate electrical failure left the region’s primary water system unable to meet demand without drawing from the potentially contaminated source.

The Mifflin County Municipal Authority issued a “Do Not Drink” Notice at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, warning customers not to consume tap water under any circumstances while emergency testing is underway.

Residents line up for bottled water

In Lewistown, people began lining up hours before distribution started.

“I want to make sure I can get some,” said Kevin Carroll, who told reporters he needs clean water to manage a medical condition.

Volunteer firefighters and borough officials began handing out cases around 6 p.m. Saturday. A second truckload was en route as crews loaded water into pickup trucks for delivery to Geisinger Lewistown Hospital, according to the Heritage Volunteer Fire Co.

Water distribution will continue Sunday at two locations:

• 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.: MCMA office, 5300 Old Route 322, Milroy;

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

Additionally, the Chief Logan Volunteer Fire Department, 1800 Glenwood Ave., Lewistown, is giving away free cases of water at the East Derry Station 2, starting at 10:30 a.m. until it is gone. Limit one case per vehicle.

Crash released fuel and fluids into reservoir

The emergency began Friday when a tractor trailer carrying potato chips and pretzels crashed through a guardrail on the Seven Mountains and plunged into the Laurel Creek Reservoir. The driver, Steven Larrabee, 72, of Christiana, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The crash released fuel, oil and other fluids into the reservoir, prompting immediate concern about the county’s primary water source. The truck has since been removed, and cleanup efforts are ongoing.

Backup water source failed overnight

Compounding the crisis, an electrical transformer surge caused “a catastrophic loss to one of the primary alternate water sources,” the authority said.

Without that backup supply, MCMA cannot maintain water levels for all customers unless it resumes drawing from the reservoir — the same reservoir affected by the spill.

Advisory issued ‘out of an abundance of caution’

MCMA emphasized that no contamination has been detected in treated water, but the advisory is necessary until testing confirms the system is safe.

Residents are instructed to:

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

• Do not boil tap water, as boiling does not remove chemical contaminants.

Non consumption uses such as bathing, laundry and cleaning are permitted, though customers are urged to limit unnecessary water use.

Testing underway; results expected within 48 hours

MCMA and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection are conducting “intensive water quality testing and monitoring,” collecting samples from raw water, treated water and distribution lines. Results are expected within 48 hours.

A “Problem Corrected” notice will be issued once the water is confirmed safe.

Schools and businesses respond

Mifflin County School District Superintendent Vance Varner said the district will have safe drinking water for students and staff when school resumes Monday. “We are also coordinating with food services to ensure meals are prepared and served safely,” Varner said.

Several restaurants and businesses across the region have temporarily closed or reduced hours due to the advisory.

What we know

• A tractor trailer crashed into the Laurel Creek Reservoir Friday.

• Fuel and fluids leaked into the water.

• A separate electrical failure disabled a key backup water source.

• MCMA cannot meet demand without drawing from the reservoir.

• No contamination has been confirmed in treated water.

• Testing is underway.

What we don’t know

• Whether any contaminants reached treated water.

• How long the Do Not Drink advisory will remain in effect.

• The full environmental impact of the spill.

This is a developing story. Updates will be posted at www.lewistownsentinel.com.