On July 20, the Erie County Water Authority reported a water main break affecting a widespread area in northern Erie County, including the UB North Campus. Service has been restored; however, the Erie County Department of Health says that when a water main loses pressure, it increases the chance that untreated water and harmful microbes can enter into the water system.

The county health department is advising individuals to boil water for the next two to three days until the safety of the water quality is confirmed. Those who cannot boil water should use bottled water. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth and preparing food until further notice by the health department.

UB Campus Dining and Shops has taken the necessary precautions to ensure that all food and beverages served on campus are safe for consumption.

The Erie County Water Authority is currently testing water quality throughout the affected area. This will take several days, and test results will be submitted to the county health department. This process will determine when the boil-water advisory can be lifted.

UB will continue to receive updates from the Erie County Water Authority, as well as the Town of Amherst, and will post any updates to UB Alert, the university's official website for meergency planning and procedures.

This applies to UB's North Campus only; the South and Downtown campuses are not affected.

Specific questions about this issue should be directed to the Erie County Water Authority’s customer service department at 716-849-8444 or the Erie County Department of Health at 716-961-6800.