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Boil water advisory lifted in Petersburg after water main break repair

Posted at 2:34 PM, Jan 18, 2018
and last updated 2018-01-18 14:35:08-05

PETERSBURG, Va. — A boil water advisory for some Petersburg residents has been lifted Thursday afternoon after crews repaired a water main break.

The advisory was in effect for High St. from Lafayette St. to University Blvd. and Plum St. from Hurt St. to Cross St.

This comes after the city advised the residents to boil their water before drinking or cooking with it after a water main break in the city. Failure to do so, the city said, could result in stomach or intestinal illness.

“This precaution is necessary because a water main repair that resulted in loss of pressure,” a city spokesperson said.

The city said it could take 24 to 48 hours to fully flush the system, but officials say crews finished ahead of schedule.

“Public Utilities crews were able to quickly complete the repair under pressure, meaning water service was not shut off,” said the spokesperson.

The city initially distributed the following information:

DO NOT DRINK TAP WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST

Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, food preparation, making ice until further notice.

Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water.

Boiling is the preferred method to assure that the tap water is safe to drink.

Bring tap water to a rolling boil, let it boil for one (1) minute, Cool before using, or use bottled water.

If you cannot boil your tap water.

An alternative method of purification for residents that do not have gas or electricity available is to
use liquid household bleach to disinfect water.

The bleach product should be recently purchased, free of additives and scents, and should contain a
sodium hypochlorite solution of at least 5.25 %.

Public health officials recommend adding 16 drops of bleach (about 1/8 teaspoon) to one (1) gallon
of water. The water should be stirred and allowed to stand for at least 30 minutes before use.

Water purification tablets may also be used by following the manufacturer’s instructions.

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