Boil-water advisory issued after watermain break near Gathright Drive; repairs completed overnight

Goochland Courthouse Water System and the Virginia Department of Health have issued a precautionary Boil Water Advisory for customers served near the intersection of Gathright Drive and Scott Road after a watermain break first reported by county crews the evening of Feb. 17, 2026. Potable water is available for affected residents upon request by calling the Department of Public Utilities at (804) 556-5835.

Goochland County Department of Public Utilities identified and repaired the watermain break, and the county notice states a contractor caused the damage: “A communications utility contractor damaged the watermain within the Gathright Drive and Scott Road Intersection while performing work in the area.” The county also reported that “The watermain required depressurization in order for Goochland County Department of Public Utilities to perform the repair.”

Officials posted the advisory “Out of an abundance of caution, this precautionary boil water advisory is being issued to protect residents while water quality testing takes place to ensure no contamination has occurred during repair efforts.” The consumer notice says water quality testing will take “a minimum of 48 hours to complete,” and does not report any positive test results at this time.

Public health language in the notice stresses the reason for precautions: “This precaution is necessary because of the occurrences of watermain breaks at the waterworks observed on February 17, 2026, and the likelihood of the presence of E. coli in the drinking water.” The notice defines the risks: “E. coli are bacteria whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Human pathogens in these wastes can cause short-term effects, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a greater health risk for infants, young children, the elderly, and people with severely-compromised immune systems.”

The advisory is direct: “DO NOT DRINK TAP WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST.” The notice also provides alternate purification methods: “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.” It adds that “Water purification tablets may also be used by following the manufacturer’s instructions.” The county notice contains a partial fragment referring to bleach strength: “Boiled or [...] at least 5.25%.”

A social media post from Jonathan Ryan disputes the advisory, stating, “There is no boil water advisory. Department of Public Utilities staff were able to quickly isolate the affected area, so water quality was not” (post truncated). The county contact for verification and requests for potable water is the Department of Public Utilities at (804) 556-5835 or at 1800 Sandy Hook Road, Goochland, Virginia 23063. The notice closes with a promise to customers: “We will inform you when you no longer need to boil your water.”