Richmond issues boil water warning after storm disrupts water system • Virginia Mercury

Richmond issues boil water warning after storm disrupts water system • Virginia Mercury

The City of Richmond, in collaboration with the Virginia Department of Health, issued an immediate boil water advisory on Monday, urging all residents to conserve water and boil it before consuming it until further notice.

The consultation follows afterwards a winter storm caused a power outage that temporarily shut down the city’s water reservoir system, causing pressure drops and service interruptions in parts of Richmond. While some residents experienced a complete loss of water, others reported reduced water pressure.

“Our top priority is the health and safety of our residents and neighbors. “I am asking all Richmonders to limit their water use as the Department of Public Utilities team works around the clock to get our water system back online,” Mayor Danny Avula said in a statement. “I also ask residents to be considerate of their neighbors and only use as much water as they need – all in all.”

In a coordinated regional effort, neighboring Chesterfield, Henrico and Hanover counties cut off Richmond’s water supply and switched to alternative sources. Officials confirmed that residents of these locations would not be affected by the advisory.

April Bingham, executive director of the Department of Public Utilities, assured residents that cleanup efforts are well underway.

“We know how important water plays in our everyday lives,” Bingham said. “My team is working diligently to bring the water system back online, along with the support of our partners.”

City officials said they will remain in close contact with the Virginia Department of Health to monitor and resolve the situation. Once the system is operational, utility workers flush the lines and test the water to confirm its safety before lifting the alert.

Updates will be posted on the city’s website websiteand shared via its official social media accounts as new information becomes available.

City of Richmond officials urge residents to follow these water safety guidelines:

• Do not drink tap water during the consultation period.

• Do not drink from water fountains in parks or public and private buildings connected to Richmond’s water supply.

• Discard any ice made from tap water and disinfect ice machines or trays. This includes ice and water dispensed directly from refrigerators.

• Do not use tap water to prepare drinks, juices or soft drinks.

• Use boiled water to wash dishes or opt for disposable plates and utensils until the advisory is lifted.

• Wash fruits and vegetables with boiled or bottled water instead of tap water.

• Use boiled or bottled water to brush your teeth.

• Only cook with tap water if the food is boiling vigorously for at least three minutes.

To save water, do the following:

• Shorten shower times or avoid showering if possible.

• Reduce the number of unnecessary toilet flushes

• Postpone laundry until water supply is fully restored

• Use disposable plates or wait until water safety is confirmed before washing.

• Check faucets, showerheads and pipes under cabinets for drips and repair any leaks immediately.

For more information on boil water recommendations, see Virginia Department of Health Frequently asked questions about boiling water Website.

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