by Eleanor Roy, originally posted on June 30, 2016

Lynchburg and state health officials advised some city residents to use boiled tap water or bottled water for safe drinking and cooking because of a water line break on U.S. 460 near Falwell Airport, according to a news release.

Assistant Director of Water Resources Gregory Poff said the water line break happened around 6 p.m. Wednesday when a contractor hit a small line connected to the main 24-inch water line on U.S. 460.

“The line’s got a fairly high pressure on it,” Poff said in a phone interview Thursday.

Crews had to release pressure from the main line to fix the break, which can introduce bacteria into the water, according to Poff.

“When that pressure goes down, we’re mandated by law to issue boil water notices just in case any contaminates got into the water line,” he said.

Crews are in the process of testing water, which will take about 48 hours. Poff said about 111 businesses and residences are affected.

Failing to use safe water can cause illness.

Pleasant Valley, Tyreeanna, and U.S. 460 east of the Campbell Avenue interchange are the areas affected.

Specific streets include: Poston Street, Holcomb Path Road, Rockwell Road, Kavanaugh Road, Aultice Lane, Carnell Lane, Tyreeanna Road, Pleasant Valley Road, Statham Lane, Turner Lane, Spinoza Circle, Nickerson Road, Channie Lane, and Concord Turnpike from the Lynchburg Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant east to U.S. 460.

“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 assure that the tap water is safe to drink. Bring all tap water to a rolling boil, let it boil for one (1) minute, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water,” the city said in a news release.

“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 a least 5.25%. Public health officials recommend adding 8 drops of bleach (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.”

City officials plan to flush the water system and collect water samples.

Officials hope to resolve the problem within 48 hours.

Residents seeking more information are asked to call the city’s Department of Water Resources at (434) 455-4250 or the health department at (434) 477-5900.