Water Warning: Boil Water Order for Dungannon, Virginia

The Virginia Department of Health in conjunction with the Scott County Health Department and the Town of Dungannon Water System advise residents to use boiled tap water or bottled water for drinking and cooking purposes as a safety precaution. This precaution is necessary because the water system has been taken off-line for repairs, which will result in lower pressures and may allow contaminated water to enter the distribution system.

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 minute and let it cool before using, or use bottled water.

Residents are advised to turn the power off to water heaters or they may drain and overheat causing permanent damage or fire.

If you cannot boil your tap water:

An alternative purification method for residents without gas or electricity 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 eight drops of bleach (about 1/4 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.

Potable water is available at the Town Hall/Depot from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Elderly or handicapped persons unable to pick up water can call (276) 467-2522 for delivery.

The VDOH will inform residents when they no longer need to boil water. To address the problem, they are locating and reparing a broken water line. Citizens will be notified when the situation is resolved and the water is safe for consumption and use.

For more information contact Ray Blevins, P.O. Box 278, Dungannon, VA 24245, or call (276) 467-2522.