RICHMOND, Va. – As of Monday, January 6, the City of Richmond, in collaboration with the Virginia Department of Health, has issued a Boil Water Advisory for all residents utilizing the city’s water system. This advisory is crucial for public health, urging residents to boil water before consumption until further notice.
This precautionary measure is the result of a winter storm that caused a power outage, leading to temporary issues in the City of Richmond’s water reservoir system. Efforts to restore system capacity are already underway, but residents must adopt immediate conservation measures.
Residents and businesses in Richmond are instructed to boil all water used for drinking, cooking, and other purposes. To ensure safety, water should be brought to a rolling boil for at least one minute before use.
Here are the recommended guidelines for safe water usage during the advisory:
– Avoid drinking tap water.
– Do not use water fountains in parks or public buildings.
– Discard ice made from tap water and sanitize ice machines or trays.
– For drinks, juices, and fountain drinks, do not use tap water.
– Wash dishes with boiled water only, or utilize disposable plates.
– Use boiled or bottled water for washing fruits and vegetables.
– Brush teeth using boiled or bottled water only.
– While cooking, ensure foods are boiled vigorously for at least three minutes if using tap water.
To further mitigate health risks, the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts offer these safety tips:
– Protect any open wounds while showering.
– For dishwashing, immerse dishes in boiled water that has cooled sufficiently and let them air dry. Alternatively, use a mixture of one tablespoon of unscented bleach per gallon of water.
– Household filters will not adequately remove bacteria, so it’s advised to rely on boiling or bottled water for safety.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed by checking the City of Richmond’s website for updates on the Boil Water Advisory.
This situation highlights the importance of community preparedness in the face of unexpected events, as the city works diligently to restore safe drinking water. Through cooperation and adherence to safety measures, the community can navigate this challenge effectively.