Customers of the Tamaqua Area Water Authority will need to boil their water beginning Wednesday due to an upgrade to the water treatment plant, which is located in Still Creek. The water boil advisory will go into effect as of 6 a.m. Wednesday.

The upgrade was originally scheduled for Jan. 31 but had to be postponed due to weather.

The upgrade to the system includes replacing a water meter, which is located outside the water storage tank. This increases the chance the water may be contaminated by disease-causing organisms and the authority issued the boil advisory as a precaution. These organisms could include bacteria, viruses and parasites, which cause nausea, cramps, diarrhea and headaches. Seek medical advice on any of these symptoms if they persist.

Some people, especially infants, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems may be at increased risk.

All water to be used for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth and food preparation must be boiled before use. Water should be brought to a full boil for at least one minute.

Inadequately treated water may contain disease-causing organisms. These organisms include bacteria, viruses and parasites, which can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea and associated headaches. However, these symptoms may also be caused by other factors. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, contact your doctor.

Once the meter is installed, the authority will test water samples and lift the advisory after two consecutive days that the samples are deemed safe to drink.

Customers of the authority include Tamaqua and portions of Rush, West Penn, Walker and Schuylkill townships.

For further information, call 570-668-0300 or 570-668-6319.