Richmond, Va. (Newsradiowrva.com) - The City of Richmond has issued a Boil Water Advisory effective immediately and until further notice.
Officials say it’s urgent that residents “take conservative steps immediately and boil water before consuming it.” This comes after a winter storm-related power outage at Richmond’s water treatment plant. Restoration services are underway.
In a press release, city officials said the counties of Chesterfield, Henrico, and Hanover have removed themselves from the City’s water supply and transferred to other supplies. Residents in these counties are not subject to the boil water advisory.
"Our top priority is the health and safety of our residents and neighbors. I am asking all Richmonders to limit their water usage as the team at the Department of Public Utilities works around the clock to get our water system back online,” said Mayor Danny Avula. “I’m also asking residents to consider their neighbors, and only use as much water as they need – all in this together.”
Once cleared to do so by the Virginia Health Department, the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) will begin flushing the system in order to ensure that the water is safe to drink. Information and updates on the matter are available at rva.gov.
The City said some customers may experience a total loss of water service, while others will experience varying degrees of loss in water pressure while service is being restored.
In the meantime, below is a checklist for safe water usage while a boil water advisory is in effect:
· Do not drink tap water.
· Do not drink from water fountains in parks, public or private buildings that receive water from the City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities.
· Do not use ice made from water today. Discard the ice and sanitize the ice machine and/or ice trays. This also applies to water and ice dispensed directly from a refrigerator.
· Do not use tap water to make drinks, juices, or fountain soft drinks.
· Do not wash your dishes using tap water – use boiled water or use paper plates for the next few days.
· Do not wash your fruits and vegetables with tap water – use boiled or bottled water.
· Do not brush your teeth with tap water – use boiled or bottled water.
· Do not cook with tap water, unless your food will be boiled vigorously for three minutes.