MARTINSVILLE, Va. (Romero Report) — Customers of Martinsville Waterworks were notified on June 21 of a problem with the drinking water supply and were advised to boil all drinking and cooking water until further notice.

Officials said this precautionary measure was taken due to a water loss incident at the waterworks facility on Clearview Drive, which resulted in limited pressure in the system.

The issue was addressed and corrected on the same day.

Additional water sampling was performed on June 22 and June 23, 2024, with all distribution samples testing negative for bacteria, officials said in a recession notice on June 24.

The notice said it is no longer necessary for customers to boil their drinking and cooking water.

The water supply has been deemed safe for all usual uses.

Copyright 2024 by Romero Broadcasting System. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced, rewritten, or redistributed.

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ORIGINAL STORY — June 21

MARTINSVILLE, Va. (Romero Report) — The City of Martinsville is currently experiencing a city-wide water outage, impacting all residents and businesses on June 21.

Because of this the Virginia Department of Health, the local health department and the water system, has issued a boil water advisory for all residents due.

Residents are advised to use boiled tap water or bottled water for drinking and cooking purposes as a safety measure.

The city said this advisory is necessary to prevent potential stomach or intestinal illnesses from bacteria and other organisms that may be present in the water.

Boiling water is the most effective method to ensure safety, according to officials.

To do so, bring all tap water to a rolling boil, let it boil for one minute, and then cool it before use.

Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, beverage and food preparation, and making ice until further notice.

For residents who cannot boil water due to lack of gas or electricity, an alternative way to disinfect water is using liquid household bleach.

Ensure the bleach is recently purchased, free of additives and scents, and contains a hypochlorite solution of at least 5.25%, officials advised.

Add eight drops of bleach (about ¼ teaspoon) to each gallon of water, stir, and let it stand for at least 30 minutes before use.

Water purification tablets may also be used by following the manufacturer’s instructions.

The city said it is working to repair the broken waterline in the Clearview Drive area and restore the system.

The issue is expected to be resolved later today.

Residents will be informed when it is safe to use tap water without boiling.

Copyright 2024 by Romero Broadcasting System. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced, rewritten, or redistributed.