Editor’s note: This article will continue to be updated with new information about the ongoing Richmond water situation. For the most up-to-date information about impacts to VCU Health and VCU, head to the VCU Alert page. There, you can also sign up to receive text messages with the latest updates. (Last updated: Jan. 10 at 2:15 p.m.) 

Latest updates on services at CHoR

What you need to know:

• Our emergency room and hospitals remain open and operational.
• We’re happy to report that effective January 10 at 5 a.m., all CHoR outpatient clinics and therapy centers are OPEN!
• We’re working to reschedule appointments that were canceled due to weather and regional water disruptions.
• Many outpatient surgeries have been moved to alternate locations. If your child’s surgery was moved, you’ll receive a call from our team.
• If you have questions about an appointment, or to cancel or reschedule, call 804-828-CHOR (2467).

Thank you for your patience as we have navigated the weather and water advisories in Richmond this week!

All things water

Boil water advisories mean that tap water is not safe to drink. Here are some of the things you should do to ensure you're using water safely:

• Do not drink tap water during this boil water advisory.  
• Do not drink from water fountains in parks, or public or private buildings that receive water from the City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities. 
• Do not use ice made from water on Monday or Tuesday. Discard the ice and sanitize the ice machine and/or ice trays. This also applies to water and ice dispensed directly from a refrigerator.
• Do not use tap water to make drinks, juices, or fountain soft drinks.
• Do not wash your dishes using tap water – use boiled water or use paper plates for the next few days. 
• Do not wash your fruits and vegetables with tap water – use boiled or bottled water.
• Do not brush your teeth with tap water – use boiled or bottled water. 
• Do not cook with tap water unless your food is boiled vigorously for three minutes. 

My child accidently ingested un-boiled tap water. Now what?

• In most cases, there’s no need for alarm, and your child should be fine.
• Monitor for symptoms such as diarrhea or abdominal pain. While these symptoms are uncommon, they can occur.
• If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your pediatrician or health care provider so they can guide you on next steps.
• Reminder! If you live in a region with a boil advisory, boil tap water for at least one minute and cool to a safe temperature. Be mindful of curious kiddos while boiling.
• Learn more from the Virginia Department of Health

There are bottled water distribution sites throughout the greater Richmond area: 

• City of Richmond
• Hanover County
• Henrico County

Under a boil water advisory, you should also conserve water. Here are some tips: 

• Eliminate or shorten shower times.
• Avoid unnecessary toilet flushes.
• Avoid washing clothes for as long as possible.
• Postpone washing dishes if possible.
• Check all faucets, showerheads and under cabinets for drips.   

As this situation continues to evolve, we will provide more updates about impacts to CHoR and other information for patients and community members. This article will continue to be updated with new information about the ongoing situation.