PETERSBURG, Va. -- Petersburg's main water line from Lake Chesdin was repaired Friday evening after it was was severed by a contractor earlier that morning.
"Petersburg Public Works crews are in process of reopening the valves throughout the City and reenergizing the lines," Joanne Williams, the city's communications director, said in an email just before 6:15 p.m. "Full service is expected within the hour."
Williams previously said more than 2,000 gallons of water were being lost per minute from the break, which was caused by a crew cutting brush and trees for Dominion Power.
"The City has coordinated with Dominion to secure the site before commencing with repairs to the water transmission line," Williams said. "The City’s contractor is on standby to make the necessary repairs."
Officials had warned that some customers could lose water or have low pressure as crews need to "isolate the line" during repairs.
Officials noted that the earlier conservation notice was not a boil water notice and that the water was safe "even though residents may experience low pressure."
Officials had urged the following mandatory conservation measures:
- Operation of water fountains is prohibited.
- Washing of paved areas is prohibited, except for immediate health and safety requirements.
- Replenish swimming pools only to levels necessary to maintain health and safety.
- Water gardens, plants, and established landscapes only during the night, between 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. on any day.
- Wash non-commercial vehicles only one day a week, using a handheld hose having an automatic shut off nozzle. Commercial washing businesses are exempt.
- May water new landscape during the first thirty (30) days after planting after 30 days, water only during the night, between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m.
Residents and businesses with questions can call 804-733-2407, city officials said.
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