The city of Richmond on Monday issued an immediate boil water advisory following power outages related to a winter storm in the area. (Courtesy of NBC12)
The city of Richmond, in partnership with the Virginia Department of Health, issued an immediate boil water advisory on Monday, urging all residents to conserve water and boil it before consumption until further notice.
The advisory comes after a winter storm caused a power outage that temporarily disrupted the city’s water reservoir system, leading to pressure drops and service interruptions across parts of Richmond. While some residents experienced complete water loss, 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 usage as the team at the Department of Public Utilities works around the clock to get our water system back online,” Mayor Danny Avula said in a statement. “I’m also asking residents to consider their neighbors, and only use as much water as they need — all in this together.”
In a coordinated regional effort, the neighboring counties of Chesterfield, Henrico, and Hanover disconnected from Richmond’s water supply and switched to alternate sources. Officials confirmed that residents in those localities are not affected by the advisory.
April Bingham, senior director for the Department of Public Utilities, assured residents that restoration efforts are well underway.
“We know the importance water plays in our everyday lives,” Bingham said. “My team is diligently working to bring the water system back online along with the support of our partners.”
City officials said that 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 will flush the lines and test the water to confirm its safety before lifting the advisory.
Updates will be posted on the city’s website, and shared through its official social media accounts as new information becomes available.
Richmond city officials urge residents to follow these water safety guidelines:
• Do not drink tap water during the advisory period.
• Do not drink from water fountains in parks or public and private buildings connected to the Richmond water supply.
• Throw away any ice made from tap water and sanitize ice machines or trays. This includes ice and water dispensed directly from refrigerators.
• Do not use tap water to prepare drinks, juices, or fountain soft drinks.
• Use boiled water for washing 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 for brushing teeth.
• Only cook with tap water if the food will be boiled vigorously for at least three minutes.
To conserve water, do the following:
• Shorten shower times or avoid taking showers if possible.
• Reduce the number of unnecessary toilet flushes
• Postpone washing clothes until water service is fully restored
• Use disposable plates or wait to wash until water safety is confirmed.
• Inspect faucets, shower heads, and pipes under cabinets for drips and repair any leaks immediately.
For more information on boil water advisories, visit the Virginia Department of Health Boil Water FAQs webpage.
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