Boil water notice in effect for the towns of Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Virginia Tech, and Montgomery County
An urgent advisory has been issued as of September 30, 12:05 p.m., by the Virginia Department of Health in conjunction with the Montgomery County Health Department and the New River Valley Regional Water Authority. Due to Hurricane Helene’s significant impact on Southwest Virginia, all residents are strongly advised not to consume tap water. If water must be used for drinking or cooking, it should be boiled for a minimum of five minutes to ensure it is safe. Failure to follow this advisory could result in stomach or intestinal illness.
Virginia Tech is closely monitoring the situation, and regular status updates can be found at vt.edu/status.
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. Bring all tap water to a rolling boil, let it boil for one minute, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water. Use caution boiling water; let water cool before attempting to move container to avoid spills, scalds and burns. Boil amounts of water that you can safely handle.
Virginia Tech's Division of Student Affairs is working diligently to ensure students have access to safe drinking water. Bottled water distribution has begun for residential students and will continue as needed. Due to incoming delivery logistics, distribution times may vary — therefore, all residential students will receive notification of their assigned water distribution location and time to their @vt.edu email address. Each student will receive two (2) bottles of water per day at no cost, and students must present or swipe their Hokie Passport ID at their distribution location.
Do not drink tap water without boiling it first. Every student room at Virginia Tech is equipped with a microfridge, a combination mini fridge, freezer, and microwave, which means every student has the ability to boil water in their room. Almost all residence halls have at least one, if not multiple, kitchens that they can access to boil water as well.
Virginia Tech Dining Services continues to serve students at multiple locations on its Blacksburg campus. Hours and services may vary. For the latest information -- to see what's open and what's closed -- please visit dining.vt.edu/hours.
Virginia Tech extends its sincere appreciation for the strength and patience demonstrated by our community in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene and the ongoing water sanitation challenges in the New River Valley. Your cooperation and understanding have been invaluable as we continue our efforts to ensure reliable access to clean drinking water for our campus community.
You will be informed when you no longer need to boil your water via VT Alerts.
Questions and more information:
- Questions from students living on campus should be directed to Residential Well Being at dsafacilities@vt.edu.
- Questions from students living off campus should be directed to the Dean of Students office: dean.students@vt.edu.
- Check for regular status updates here: vt.edu/status
- General boil water information: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/drinking-water/boil-water-faqs/
- Support local recovery efforts: https://engage.vt.edu/hurricane_relief.html
- For the latest information regarding Dining Services closures please visit dining.vt.edu/hours
- Other support resources and contacts: https://www.vt.edu/contacts.html
