RICHMOND, Va. -- Twenty minutes after issuing a boil advisory, the City of Richmond has declared the water safe to drink and lifted the advisory.
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The water may be back on for some who lost service during Monday morning's large water main break in Richmond, however the impact lingered into Monday afternoon (and beyond) when the city's Department of Public Utilities issued a boil water advisory.
"Due to no or low pressure from the water main break at Cumberland and Harrison streets, Monday, Jan. 19 for some customers, those impacted are advised not to drink tap water without boiling it first," the city announced via email. "A lack of water pressure can cause backflow of water from contaminated sources, and as a precaution, this boil water notice is being issued."
An exact area impacted by the advisory was not yet available, DPU said.
City crews will be in the area flushing the water lines and samples will be collected for water quality. It will take 48 hours for the sample results from the laboratory and additional information will be provided at that time. If customers have questions, they are advised to call 311 for additional information. The Virginia Department of Health is also available to answer questions. You may contact Bennett Ragnauth or Moshen Shahramfar at 674-2880.
Boil your tap water.
"Failure to follow this advisory could result in stomach or intestinal illness," the city warned. "Do not drink tap water without boiling it first. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, beverage and food preparation, and making ice until further notice."
If you cannot boil your tap water, an alternative method of purification for residents that do not have gas or electricity available is to use liquid household bleach to disinfect water. The bleach product should be recently purchased, free of additives and scents, and should contain a hypochlorite solution of at least 5.25 percent. Public health officials recommend adding eight drops of bleach (about ¼ teaspoon) to each gallon of water. The water should be stirred and allowed to stand for at least 30 minutes before use.
Water purification tablets may also be used by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Please share this information with all people who drink the impacted water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly.
This is a developing story.
