HOPEWELL, Va. -- Drivers rolled their way through a bottled water distribution site at Patrick Copeland Elementary School Monday, following a water outage that occurred in Hopewell late Sunday Night.
The Virginia American Water company reported a power outage at its plant in Hopewell led to a water outage for about 9,500 customers in the city and parts of Prince George County.
This then prompted both localities to issue a water conservation order.
"[The power] came back on maybe like an hour ago, but now I'm waiting for my water," one Hopewell resident in line for bottled water said.
"I'm trying to get water. Just trying to get water. Wherever I can go to get it. I'm trying to get it," another woman added.
As of Monday afternoon, the company reported the outage was caused by an issue with one of Dominion Energy's transformers and that progress to restore power had been made.
"Repairs have been initiated and work is on-going to ensure that the system is fully functional," the city of Hopewell released in a statement Monday night. "Water pressure should gradually build across the city over the next several hours, if no further issues occur."
However, its customers are now under a boil water advisory.
Once service is restored, the company said people should boil water for at least one minute and allow to cool before using for use.
Bottled water distribution will resume Tuesday.
People who cannot get to the pickup location can call 804-541-2391 to request delivery.
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
Bottled water will be provided at Hopewell High School at 400 South Mesa Drive from 10:00 am -5:00 pm on Tuesday, February 16, 2021. 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 Tuesday, February 16, 2021.
