Town of Culpeper
Press Release
Town of Culpeper Public Works crews repaired the broken 12-inch water main that reduced water pressure and in some cases loss of water last night. However, officials issued a boil water notice advisory for a minimum of 48 hours beginning 8 a.m. this morning to allow for lab results to come back.
Before lifting the boil notice, two consecutive lab tests must come back clear, and it takes 24 hours to get the results of each test.
Meanwhile, Culpeper officials are advising town water customers in the south end of town and in adjacent areas of the County of Culpeper served by town water to boil tap water before using it for cooking or drinking it.
"Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, beverage and food preparation, and making ice until further notice," said Operations Manager Chris Hively. "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 minute, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water."
The boil water notice is for areas where water pressure dropped below 20 pounds per square inch. Officials say that is low water pressure.
Areas affected by the warning include Blue Ridge Avenue to Route 522 south and vicinity as well as town water customers in Highpoint, Culpeper Regional Hospital, Southridge, Three Flags, the Culpeper Baptist Retirement Homes and Friendship Heights.
The Culpeper County Public Safety Communications Center issued a Code Red – reverse 9-1-1 – to areas affected by low water pressure, advising of the boil notice.
The boil water advisory was issued after a 12-inch water main failed about 7:45 p.m. yesterday on Blue Ridge Avenue, which bisects Southgate Shopping Center. Within several hours officials isolated the failed pipe and partially restored service to all but about 50 customers, including the Safeway grocery store.
Before beginning repair work, utilities in the area of the break had to be located. Crews replaced the failed water main about 2 a.m. this morning.
Officials say it is safe to wash clothes if the water is a little murky, but maybe not whites. The color of the water should clear up soon.
Officials don't have a number of customers affected by the break.
