“Weather-Related Boil Water Advisory: The Ripple Effects on VCU Health”

Editor’s Note: This article will be routinely revised with new developments on the ongoing situation. For the latest information regarding impacts to VCU Health and VCU, please visit the VCU Alert page. You can also opt to receive text alerts with the newest updates. (Last updated: Jan. 7, 12:55 p.m.) 

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By Sara McCloskey 

Similar to many in Central Virginia, VCU Health is experiencing effects due to the weather conditions and the boil water advisory issued by the City of Richmond on Monday afternoon. 

Snow and ice during the night on Monday and Tuesday resulted in potentially dangerous driving conditions. As of 12:00 p.m. Tuesday, Richmond city officials have reported that water production has been restored. The city will maintain the boil water advisory until all necessary testing has been finalized, prompting residents to conserve water and boil it before consumption. 

Operational alterations are in effect as of Tuesday, Jan. 7.

• All Endoscopy and elective surgical procedures at the Ambulatory Care Center, VCU Medical Center, Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU (CHoR), and Stony Point have been canceled and will be rescheduled.
• All outpatient diagnostic testing/imaging procedures at VCU Medical Center, CHoR, Ambulatory Care Center, Adult Outpatient Pavilion, and Stony Point are canceled and will be rescheduled.
• All clinics located in downtown Richmond, including the Virginia Treatment Center for Children (VTCC) and CHoR Brook Road outpatient clinics, are closed.
• Clinics in Williamsburg are not operating.
• All VCU Health outpatient clinics in Tappahannock and Fredericksburg, along with CHoR Therapies in Fredericksburg and Stafford, will follow a delayed schedule on Tuesday, Jan. 7. Please note: Outpatient services at Tappahannock Hospital will proceed as per usual schedule.

If you have inquiries regarding your appointment or rescheduling, we suggest contacting the VCU Health Patient Appointment Center at (804)-828-7929.

Boil water advisories indicate that tap water is not safe for consumption. Here are several actions to take to ensure safe water use:

• Do not consume tap water during this boil water advisory.
• Do not drink from water fountains in parks or public/private buildings receiving water from the City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities. 
• Do not use ice made from water on Monday or Tuesday. Dispose of the ice and sanitize the ice machine and/or ice trays. This also applies to water and ice dispensed directly from a refrigerator.
• Avoid utilizing tap water for beverages, juices, or fountain soft drinks.
• Do not wash dishes using tap water – use boiled water or utilize paper plates for the next few days. 
• Do not rinse fruits and vegetables with tap water – use boiled or bottled water instead.
• Do not brush your teeth with tap water – make use of boiled or bottled water. 
• Do not prepare food with tap water, unless the food has been boiled vigorously for three minutes.

During a boil water advisory, conserving water is also important. Here are tips to follow:

• Reduce or shorten shower durations.
• Avoid unnecessary toilet flushes.
• Refrain from washing clothes for an extended period of time.
• Postpone dishwashing if feasible.
• Inspect all faucets, showerheads, and underneath cabinets for leaks. 

As the situation progresses, we will continue to provide updates concerning the effects on the health system and additional information for patients and community members. This article will be regularly updated with new information regarding the ongoing situation.