City of Harrisonburg under mandatory water conservation notice

HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) — The City of Harrisonburg Public Utilities announced it has issued a mandatory water conservation notice on May 14, as it says City’s Water Treatment Plant works to clear impacted filters caused by extra debris in the water from recent heavy rains.

Officials are urging the community to reduce water use, when possible, Wednesday evening and Thursday, May 14 and 15. The City is currently utilizing already-treated water from towers and tanks across the community to serve homes and businesses, but it announced those sources have limited capacity and could run out before the Water Treatment Plant returns to full service if conservation measures are not taken.

The City said if its available treated water supply gets too low, a mandatory boil water order will be issued as water will become potentially unsafe to drink. At this time, there is no estimate for when service will return to full capacity at the treatment facility. The City emphasized that the water supply is safe to use at this time. However, all Harrisonburg Public Utilities customers should take conversation measures as possible.

For general water use in homes at this time, community members should take any available step to reduce non-essential water use, such as:

• Avoid letting the water run while brushing your teeth, washing your face or shaving
• Take short showers instead of baths
• Avoid wasting water waiting for it to get hot.
• Avoid running the tap for a cold drink. Keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator
• Operate dishwashers and clothes washers only when they are fully loaded.
• Don’t water your lawn or garden
• Take any other general conservation effort you can until otherwise informed.
• Additionally, area businesses should take all possible measures to reduce water use.

“Harrisonburg Public Utilities staff are working around the clock to do whatever possible to expedite treatment of raw water for our community,” Harrisonburg Director of Communications & Public Engagement Michael Parks said. “We are grateful for our community’s support in following simple and easy conservation steps at this time. Even small measures can make a big impact in helping to lessen water demand during this event. But if conservation measures are not taken now, we could potentially enter a water emergency in the very near future.”

City leaders would like to thank Rockingham County, which is currently supporting the City’s water supply, and local commercial and agriculture customers that have already shifted their operations today to reduce demand on the water system. Updates will be posted to the City’s social media pages when available.

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