Welcome to Oil City, PA

Guidance for Buildings Closed During COVID-19:
When buildings are closed or used less frequently over an extended period of time, unused water in the pipes can become stagnant, producing undesirable tastes or odors when water use returns to normal. Further inactivity could lead to lead leaching or legionella growth. To alleviate these potential water quality issues, the Pennsylvania Departments of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Health (DOH) are encouraging owners and operators of dormant buildings to flush building water systems prior to reopening.

Buildings that have been closed or used less frequently should consider the following measures while preparing to reopen:

• Develop a flushing plan


• Identify water entry points (all taps [faucets, shower heads, water fountains] and water-using devices [dishwashers, ice machines])


• Remove cross connections to prevent backflow in plumbing systems (hoses connected to spigots)


• Remove aerators


• Flush the entire building


• Flush cold-water lines before hot-water lines


• Flush the building by zone, beginning where the water enters the building and moving outward


• Flushing time will vary based on building size (Typical durations in existing protocols range from 10 to 30 minutes for each outlet. A temperature change or chlorine smell may be used as indicators that fresh water has reached all the fixtures within the building)


• Clean faucets, shower heads, and other fixtures


• Replace all point-of-use filters, including the filter in refrigerators


• Using manufacturer’s instructions, inspect and conduct necessary maintenance on mechanical equipment such as water heaters, boilers, storage tanks, backflow prevention devices, etc.


• Consider developing an ongoing water management plan to maintain high water quality at all times

For more information on building water systems and flushing, please visit the CDC or EPA websites.

COVID-19 Resources
The City of Oil City has issued a declaration of disaster emergency. Disaster Loan Assistance is available through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). For more information, Download the Economic Injury Disaster Loans Fact Sheet or visit the SBA's Coronavirus (COVID-19) Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources webpage.

The application for unemployment compensation (UC) benefits for self-employed workers, independent contractors and others not typically eligible for benefits is NOW AVAILABLE on the Pennsylvania unemployment compensation system website. Here's the link. For questions about program eligibility and information about the documents you will need to provide when applying, click here.

If you experience a problem or have a question, please send it by email to UCHelp@PA.Gov. This is the fastest way to receive a response, though it unfortunately may still take a few days due to the volume of people currently filing unemployment claims.

COVID-19 Update
The City is aware of the concerns arising due to the Coronavirus and continues to monitor the situation. For more information and preventative measures, please see the Featured News section of our page (right). If you are exhibiting symptoms, do NOT go to the hospital. Schedule an appointment with your Primary Care Provider immediately.