DANVILLE, Va. – UPDATE
Danville City officials say the first round of water samples were clean. A second round will be collected Friday, with results expected Saturday morning.
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The City of Danville will provide an update when the water is safe to drink and the boil water notice is lifted.
UPDATE
The City of Danville says water service has been restored to most residents. Please note that the boil water advisory will remain in effect until further testing is complete.
If you’re still without service or experiencing low water pressure, you’re asked to call 434-799-5284.
Stay with 10 News for the latest updates.
UPDATE
The City of Danville has provided an update on the boil water advisory issued Monday night, saying it was partly caused by heavy rain and runoff into the creeks and streams that feed the Dan River. Officials say it has been extended to Friday.
City Manager Ken Larking said the water entering the city’s treatment plant became unusually cloudy and unsafe to drink. He explained, “Despite our best efforts, it could not be safely treated to meet quality standards.”
“For several hours, we were unable to supply the distribution system with treated water meeting the Virginia Department of Health standards for drinking water.”
As a result, water levels and pressure in the city’s storage tanks dropped, prompting officials to issue the boil water advisory in line with public health regulations.
“I know this is frustrating and inconvenient for residents, businesses, and visitors,” Larking said. “We’re working hard to get the water system back to normal as quickly as we can. We will investigate how this happened so we can improve our processes and prevent it from happening again. Keeping our water supply safe and reliable is our top priority.”
More areas are getting water and better pressure. However, testing requirements mean the advisory will remain in effect until Friday. City officials said crews are working around the clock to restore the system.
The city will update the community as soon as the advisory is lifted.
10 News will continue to update this article as more information becomes available.
ORIGINAL STORY
A boil water notice has been issued for the entire city of Danville.
Authorities are urging residents to use boiled or bottled water for drinking, making beverages, preparing food, and making ice until further notice. This precaution helps kill bacteria and other organisms in the water, ensuring your tap water is safe to drink.
To boil water, bring it to a rolling boil, let it boil for one minute, then let it cool before using. You can also use bottled water.
If you can’t boil your tap water, city officials say you can disinfect it with liquid household bleach. Use bleach that is recently purchased, free of additives and scent, and contains at least 5.25% hypochlorite. Public health officials recommend adding 8 drops of bleach, or about 1/4 teaspoon, to each gallon of water. Stir the water and let it stand for at least 30 minutes before use.
During the notice, your water may look cloudy or muddy and may have lower or no pressure. Crews are working to repair a water main. After repairs and flushing, a water sample will be tested. Testing can take up to 48 hours before the boil water notice can be lifted.
For updates, call 434-799-6473.
Please remember, not following the boil water notice could lead to stomach or intestinal illness.