GALAX, Va. – The City of Galax has issued a water boil notice for customers of City of Galax Waterworks. This comes as the Virginia Department of Health, as well as the Mount Rogers Health District and the City of Galax Water System recommended this notice after the water plant lost power during Helene.
In a Facebook post Saturday evening, the city manager said power had been restored to the plant, allowing necessary pressures in the system to come online and the water tanks to refill. Nevertheless, it will likely be Monday until water service is restored for everyone. And even then, the boil notice would remain in place until necessary tests can be conducted.
Recommended Videos
The city has also opened a shelter at the Galax Recreation Center at 601 S. Main Street.
Authorities have stated that drinking or using tap water for food preparation without boiling it for the time being may result in intestinal illness. It is recommended that you bring tap water to a rolling boil for at least one minute to kill possible bacteria before letting it cool. If possible, you should use bottled water.
If you do not have bottled water or are unable to boil your water, the City of Galax has recommended the following:
- Safely 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 at least 5.25%. Public health officials recommend adding 8 drops of bleach (about ¼ 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.
We will update you when this water boil notice is lifted.