As of Saturday morning, all Staunton water customers should have water, but still remain under a boil water advisory until sampling and testing is complete across the city. The city’s water distribution system is separated into ten different pressure zones. Each has been restored to full pressure. The last zone was restored Saturday morning.
Water samples must be tested for both residual chlorine and bacteria, and this testing process must be completed twice in separate rounds. The test for bacteria requires a minimum waiting time of 16 hours before test results can be determined.
Given the amount of time it takes to test, the boil water advisory will be in place through Monday morning for some pressure zones. As testing continues and results come in, the city will continue to update the status of the boil water advisory.
At this time, residential and business customers should boil water before using it for drinking, cooking, or brushing teeth. Bring water to a rolling boil for at least one minute and let it cool before use. Continue to follow these precautions until the city notifies residents that the boil water advisory has been lifted.
Customers do not need to boil water for taking a shower, washing clothes in a washing machine, or running the dishwasher on a sanitize setting.
Crews will continue to monitor and check in on each pressure zone, including pumps and tanks throughout the day. You may also see crews flushing hydrants in order to properly take water samples for testing.
The City of Staunton will continue to operate a water distribution site. Gypsy Hill Park Gymnasium will be open from while supplies are available Sunday. Our inventory is changing to 12-pack cans of water. Each vehicle will be limited to one 12-pack.