Petersburg issues water-conservation advisory following ‘unexpected system malfunction’

Petersburg is asking its residents and business to limit their water usage after a late-night “unexpected system malfunction.”

A statement from the city late in the evening of Sept. 5 did not identify the nature of the malfunction. It only said the conservation advisory is “until further notice.”

“Please use water only for essential needs while our crews work to resolve the issue as quickly as possible,” the statement read. “Updates will be provided as more information becomes available. We appreciate your cooperation and patience during this time.”

The conservation is the latest in Petersburg’s ongoing saga involving its water infrastructure. The city is already under a state of emergency after torrential rain in July prompted flash flooding throughout the downtown and Old Towne areas.

Two downtown area bridges have been damaged by the flooding, forcing city officials to make changes in traffic patterns on Bank and East Wythe streets that are expected to last for months.

This is a developing story.

More: VA officials: Regional collaboration on wastewater crucial to manage, prevent crises