Storm Aftermath as of 11:00 a.m., Monday, July 2
The City of Falls Church has issued the following adivisory update for Boil Water Advisory Update for Falls Church Water Utility Customers in Tysons, Vienna, and Dunn Loring http://www.fallschurchva.gov/content/newsmedia/2012releases/07-july/boilwaterupdate_2012july1.pdf.
Out of an abundance of caution, the Falls Church Water Utility advises water customers in portions of Tysons Corner, Vienna, and Dunn Loring to use boiled tap water or bottled water for drinking and cooking purposes as a safety precaution. Customers are advised not to drink tap water without boiling it first. Failure to follow this advisory could result in stomach or intestinal illness. Those in the Advisory Area should prepare to boil water at least through Monday night, July 2. This is the timing needed for proper testing. Families should be prepared. Instructions and maps of the Advisory Area are available on the City’s website, www.fallschurchva.gov/WaterBoil
Why This Is Necessary
This precaution is necessary due to a drop in water pressure in the Tysons and Vienna area of the City water system on Saturday afternoon. Low water pressure can potentially allow contaminants to enter into water pipes. The City’s pump stations were operating for a time on back-up power starting Friday evening, when a line of thunderstorms caused the broadest non-hurricane related power outage in Virginia history. All but one pumping station is now on full power and water pressure is back to acceptable levels.
Dominion Virginia Power’s Vice President of Electric Distribution Operations, Rodney Blevins said, “The storms last Friday and Saturday resulted in the most significant damage suffered by the company outside of hurricanes. This storm could not be forecasted well ahead of time by the National Weather Service. That is complicating restoration efforts because crews and supplies could not be positioned in advance.”
The City, in conjunction with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), analyzed all courses of action, and opted to aggressively protect the interest of customers in issuing this boil advisory.
Boil Instructions
Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, beverage and food preparation, and making ice until further notice. 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 (1) minute, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water.
Alternative Method
An alternative method of purification for residents that do not have gas or electricity available is to 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.
More Resources for Information
Additional information and resources regarding boiling water is available online through the Virginia Department of Health [http://1.usa.gov/KTMw3z] and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management [http://bit.ly/Mz109m].
Share This Information
Water customers are asked to share this information with all other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example: people in apartments, nursing homes, and businesses). This can be done by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.
Customers will be informed when it is no longer necessary to boil water. Notice will be sent or posted:
- Local TV, radio, and print media
- City’s website, www.fallschurchva.gov
- City’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/CityofFallsChurch
- City’s Twitter account twitter.com/fallschurchinfo
- Via the Alert Falls Church System alert.fallchurchva.gov
More Information: Details on boundaries of boil water advisory area –
- When in doubt if you are in the affected area, use the methods above to boil or use liquid bleach. (Follow all directions above.)
- Eastern boundary of area: Beginning on the intersection of Magarity Rd. and Olney Rd.; following Magarity Rd. to the intersection with Rte 7; continuing east along Rte 7 to the intersection of I-66.
- Southeast boundary of area: Follows I-66 to the intersection of I-495.
- Southern boundary of area: Beginning at the intersection of I-66 and I-495 and follows along Cottage St. to Gallows Rd., north along Gallows Rd to Cedar Ln. West along Stonewall Dr. to Villanova Dr., then south along Villanova Dr. to Winder St., then west along Winder St. to Drexel St.
- Western boundary of area: The western boundary is along the Town of Vienna line.
