All City of Danville water customers are being advised to use boiled tap water or bottled water for drinking and cooking purposes until further notice.
The advisory is being issued by the City of Danville, Utilities. The notice is precautionary but it is necessary due to a loss of pressure in a large portion of the water distribution system.
Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, beverage and food preparation, and making ice until further notice. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water. Boiling is the preferred method to ensure that the tap water is safe to drink. Bring all tap water to a rolling boil, let it boil for one minute and let it 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 hypochlorite solution of at least 5.25%. Public health officials recommend adding 8 drops of bleach (about ¼ teaspoon) to each 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.
To address this problem, we are repairing the water main now. A water sample will be tested once the main is repaired and flushed. Testing can take up to 48 hours before this precautionary notice can be lifted. You can call 434-799-6473 on Friday for an update on this notice.
Failure to follow this advisory could result in stomach or intestinal illness.
The water may be turbid/muddy and at a lower pressure (or no pressure) than normal until the situation is corrected.
If you hold a Virgina Department of Health Food Permit, please call 434-766-9816 for more specific information regarding this notice.
You may contact the Division of Water and Wastewater Treatment at 434-799-6473 or the Division of Water and Gas Distribution at 434-799-5284 if you have questions.