By Richard Sharkey, originally posted on October 20, 2016

A water boil advisory is in effect for the Parkwood Drive area in Alexandria.

The advisory was issued as a precaution because water pressure was lost during repairs to a 6-inch main water line along Parkwood Drive, according to Utilities Director Michael Marcotte.

The advisory affects water customers on Parkwood Drive and several other streets, including Meadow Lane, Lincoln Drive, Frances Street, Beverly Drive, Fairfield Avenue, Chelsea Drive and Animal Shelter Road.

It is recommended that all water consumers in the affected area disinfect their water before consuming it (including fountain drinks), making ice, brushing teeth, or using it for food preparation or rinsing of foods.

To disinfect the water, boil it for one full minute in a clean container. Shaking can eliminate the flat taste of the water, as can pouring it from one clean container to another or adding a small pinch of salt to each quart of water that is boiled.