The Shadow
BOIL WATER ADVISORY
Notice to Customers of Cherokee PWSID #2005095
This is for the areas of Potts Creek Road, Oneida Trail, Cherokee Trail, Apache Ct, and Comanche Trail.
BOIL YOUR TAP WATER
Failure to follow this advisory could result in stomach or intestinal illness.
5/8/2026
Alleghany County Public Works advises all customers to boil their drinking water.
The boil water advisory is in effect until further notice for the following reason:
A main line water leak has occurred in Covington, and this has caused a complete loss of water in your area. When your water supply is shut off or if water pressure drops significantly this could potential allow contaminants to enter the system, making the water unsafe to drink.
DO NOT DRINK OR COOK WITH TAP WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST.
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.
To boil your water – Bring all tap water to a rolling boil, let it boil for one minute, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water.
If you cannot boil your tap water 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.
Once the Boil Water Advisory has been lifted, residents will be notified through the same methods of communication used to notify of the advisory.
For more information, please contact: Alleghany County Public Works at 540-863-6650
For Frequently Asked Questions about boiling your tap water visit:
Virginia Department of Health – Office of Drinking Water FAQ website.
