HOPEWELL, Va. -- For the second time this week, Hopewell and parts of Prince George County are without water service and a boil order remains in effect.
The approximately 9,500 impacted 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 morning, they said water service had been partially restored to some customers.
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.
"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."
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.
Water service was initially knocked offline during the weekend ice storm.
Virginia American Water and the city are handing out bottles of water to people in need.
On Wednesday, February 17 water distribution runs from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. at Patrick Copeland Elementary School located at 400 Westhill Road.
"Portable toilets are also available at that site," Leongini wrote. "The company is also delivering water to the hospital, nursing homes, and other critical care facilities."
People who cannot get to the pickup location can call 804-541-2391 to request delivery.
Once service is restored, the company said people should boil water for at least one minute and allow to cool before using for use.
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.
Bottled Water
On Wednesday water distribution will run from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. at Patrick Copeland Elementary School located at 400 Westhill Road. If you have no means of getting water from this distribution point you can call the Hopewell City Call Center at 804-541-2391 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Wednesday, February 17.
