Town of Chase City in Mecklenburg under precautionary boil water advisory due to decrease in water pressure during repair

MECKLENBURG COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- The town of Chase City in Mecklenburg County has been placed under a precautionary boil water advisory due to a decrease in water pressure during a water line repair on Sunday.

According to a social media post at 4:34 p.m. on Sunday, May 4, a spokesperson for the town said Chase City was placed under a precautionary boil water advisory "until further notice" due to water pressure being reduced when a water line was being repaired by the Roanoke River Service Authority, the town's water service provider.

In an update on social media at 8:38 p.m. on Sunday, the town said water pressure was returning to normal, but a precautionary boil water advisory would remain in effect until clear samples were obtained.

The town said that when water is turned back on, residents and business owners may notice discoloration.

"If you flush your water and let it run for a minute or two, that should correct the discoloration," the town said.

The town advised folks to use boiled tap water or bottled water for drinking, making ice or cooking as a safety precaution.

Residents were advised to bring tap water to a rolling boil, let it boil for one minute and then cool before using. Alternatively, folks can use bottled water.

Those who cannot boil water or find bottled water can instead use liquid household bleach without additives and scents to disinfect water. The bleach should be recently purchased and contain a hypochlorite solution of at least 5.25%.

When using this method, public health officials recommend adding eight drops of bleach, or about 1/4 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, the town said.

Potable water will reportedly be available at the Food Lion, Market Express, Dollar General, Family Dollar and other stores in the town, according to Chase City.

Residents will be informed when the boil water advisory ends, the town said.

To find additional information and answers to frequently asked questions regarding boil water advisories, visit the Virginia Department of Health's website.

For more information, folks can call Donald Long, 434-372-3220.