July 8, 2024
Media Contact: Tara Rose, Tara.Rose@vdh.virginia.gov
Petersburg Health Department Provides Guidance for Boil Water Restriction
PETERSBURG, Va. – Effective Monday, July 8, the Petersburg Health Department advises that, until further notice, all residents of Petersburg who are on city water should discontinue using the tap water for consumption. The City of Petersburg has issued a Boil Water Notice due to a water main break in Petersburg.
Do not use tap water for food preparation, soda machines, ice, coffee machines, or hand washing to prepare items. Please ensure everyone in the household, including pets, is safe by boiling any water used for consumption. All tap water must be boiled. Bottled water may also be used as an alternative. Households who use well water are unaffected by this advisory.
All residents of Petersburg and commercial businesses on city water must follow the guidance of boiling all water until the boil water notice is lifted. Bring water to a rolling boil for at least a minute and then let it cool before using.
The Petersburg Health Department strongly advises that people take the following steps to prevent illness from contaminated water:
- Boil water or use bottled water to brush your teeth.
- Cover any scratches, cuts, or open wounds when taking a shower.
- Wash dishes using boiled water. Let it cool until hands can comfortably be inserted and immerse dishes, then let them air dry. Alternately, bottled water can be used, or use one tablespoon of unscented bleach per gallon of clean water (no detergents), Do not use your dishwasher to wash dishes, as it uses the same public water system. “Single-use” items (paper plates, etc.) are an option.
- Do not rely on household filters that are purchased over the counter as they will not remove bacteria from the water. Most filters use carbon, and those filters do a good job of taking out taste and odors but do not take out other contaminants.
Please visit the City of Petersburg website for updated information on the Boil Water Notice.
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