Residents of Richmond, Virginia, are advised to boil their water until further notice due to a Boil Water Advisory implemented by the City of Richmond in partnership with the Virginia Department of Health. The advisory, effective January 6, 2025, affects all residents and businesses connected to the city’s water system.
The need for this advisory arose following a winter storm that caused a power outage and disrupted the city’s water reservoir system. Restoration efforts are currently in progress.
During this advisory, residents are urged to take immediate action to ensure their safety. They should boil all water before consumption, bringing it to a rolling boil for at least one minute. It is also essential to conserve water and follow specific guidelines to minimize health risks related to potentially contaminated water.
Key safety measures include avoiding tap water for drinking and cooking, discarding ice made from tap water, and refraining from washing fruits, vegetables, or dishes with tap water. Instead, residents should use boiled or bottled water for these purposes. Additionally, the use of household water filters is discouraged as they do not effectively eliminate bacteria.
The Richmond and Henrico Health Districts recommend covering any cuts or open wounds while showering and advise the use of air-drying methods for washed dishes. For the latest updates regarding the advisory, residents are encouraged to visit the City of Richmond’s official website.
This situation serves as a reminder of the importance of community preparedness during extreme weather events. While the current circumstances are challenging, the city’s swift response and ongoing restoration efforts highlight the resilience of Richmond’s public health infrastructure. Residents can take comfort in the fact that dedicated teams are working hard to restore safe drinking water, and by following the provided guidelines, they can help ensure their own safety in the interim.