As of Aug. 16, Staunton water customers should have water. However, the city still remains under a boil water advisory until sampling and testing is completed, a press release said.
The advisory was issued after Public Works was notified of a water main break on Aug. 14 behind Stocker Street. Crews found a large, 16-inch water main that was severely damaged, causing water to be shut off for repairs. The city also warned of the likliehood of E. coli in the water.
The boil water advisory was then extended into parts of Augusta County.
The city’s water distribution system is separated into 10 different pressure zones. Each has been restored to full pressure. The press release said the last zone was restored the morning of Aug. 16.
“Water samples must be tested for both residual chlorine and bacteria, and this testing process must be completed twice in separate rounds. The test for bacteria requires a minimum waiting time of 16 hours before test results can be determined,” the release said.
The boil water advisory could extend to the morning of Aug. 18 for some pressure zones. “As testing continues and results come in, the city will continue to update the status of the boil water advisory,” the release said.
Residential and business customers should boil water before using it for drinking, cooking, or brushing teeth. Bring water to a rolling boil for at least one minute and let it cool before use. Continue to follow these precautions until the city notifies residents that the boil water advisory has been lifted.
Customers do not need to boil water for taking a shower, washing clothes in a washing machine, or running the dishwasher on a sanitize setting.
Crews will continue to monitor and check in on each pressure zone, including pumps and tanks. Residents might also see crews flushing hydrants in order to properly take water samples for testing.
The City of Staunton will continue to operate water distribution sites. The sites at Bessie Weller Elementary, Staunton High School, and the Gypsy Hill Park Gymnasium will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. over the weekend. Households will be limited to one case or two gallons of water.
Brad Zinn is the cops, courts and breaking news reporter at The News Leader. Have a news tip? Or something that needs investigating? You can email reporter Brad Zinn (he/him) at bzinn@newsleader.com. You can also follow him on X (formerly Twitter).