HOPEWELL, Va. -- As water has been restored to all customers in Hopewell and impacted and Prince George County neighborhoods, officials with the Virginia American Water Company plant said a boil water order remains in effect Wednesday night until further notice.
The news came after Hopewell and parts of Prince George County were without water service for a second time this week Tuesday following a power outage Sunday blamed for a "catastrophic failure" at the plant.
That knocked out water to 9,500 customers live in the City of Hopewell and Prince George County neighborhoods of:
- New Birchett Estates
- Cedar Creek
- Cedar Creek West
- Strattford Woods
- Mullberry Woods
In an update from officials Wednesday night, officials said the bottled water distribution site would be closed Thursday because of winter weather.
Officials also reminded customers to boil water for at least "one minute and cool before consumption." Water service was restored to all residential customers early Wednesday morning, officials with the company said.
As customers start to receive water in their taps, officials said there may be air pockets or some discoloration. This is expected and will clear as restoration continues, according to officials.
"Virginia American Water will provide an update tomorrow about when bottled water distribution can safely resume," officials said.
Officials said that while they are "making progress," water quality samples dictate that the boil order must remain in effect.
"Once we complete water quality sample collection and testing and have confirmed standards have been met, the boil water order will be lifted," officials said.
"Although water service had been restored to customers overnight, Virginia American Water is reporting a service outage again in its Hopewell District due to equipment failure," Virginia American Water Marybeth Leongini wrote in an email Tuesday. "Virginia American Water is working to resolve the issue in the Hopewell system as quickly and safely as possible, and thanks its customers for their patience and understanding."
Virginia American Water and the city have been handing out bottles of water to people in need.
The following information was released Monday night by city leaders in Hopewell:
Mandatory Water Conservation Order
Everyone is encouraged to continue to conserve water, as we need to fill the entire system before returning to regular usage. Refrain from washing dishes, washing clothes, or any other unnecessary water use. When taking showers do not drink the water. This order remains in place until further notice.
Boil Water Advisory
While water pressure may be restored, it is still necessary to boil water before consuming it in any way. All customers that have been impacted are reminded that they need to bring water to a full rolling boil for one minute before using it for consumption, drinking, making baby formula, ice cubes, washing vegetables and fruit, and for brushing teeth.
