Some Charles City residents under boil water advisory after E. coli found in water

CHARLES CITY COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Some Charles City County residents are under a boil water advisory on Sunday after E. coli was detected in part of the county's water distribution system.

On Sunday, Nov. 16, the Charles City County Sheriff's Office advised that Wayside Road and Kimages Road residents should not use their tap water without boiling it first.

This is due to state health officials "feel[ing] there is a need for concern about the safety" of the tap water in these areas.

"State health officials will be conducting an assessment of our waterworks to determine the possible cause for the detection of E. coli in our distribution system," the sheriff's office said. "We will be following up with all corrective actions noted in their assessment."

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No additional information about the nature of this incident was provided by officials.

"You will be notified of future developments," the sheriff's office said. "We anticipate resolving the problem within the next few days."

Charles City County is offering potable water to residents at its Government Building, located at 10900 Courthouse Road, during this time.

Until the boil water advisory has been lifted, residents in these areas should not use their tap water for most purposes -- including things like drinking, washing dishes or brushing your teeth -- without properly treating it first.

Impacted residents are urged to bring tap water to a full rolling boil, let it boil for one minute and let it cool before using it in order to effectively kill microorganisms like bacteria, viruses or protozoans that can cause disease. Alternatively, you can also use bottled water.

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Water filters should not be used as a substitute for boiling water, as these devices can only improve the taste, odor or chemical quality of the water, but will not remove microorganisms.

If you cannot boil your water, you can use recently purchased, scent-free liquid household bleach with a hypochlorite solution of at least 5.25% to disinfect your water.

You can add about 1/4 teaspoon of said bleach per one gallon of water. Stir in the bleach, then allow the water to stand for at least half an hour before using it.

For more information, you can contact Charles City County Public Works by calling 804-652-4733.