Onancock lifts Boil Water Advisory

The boil water advisory for the Town of Onancock has officially been lifted, according to Town Manager Matt Spuck.

Following rigorous testing, both back-to-back BacT tests have confirmed that the town’s water supply is completely free of Total Coliform Bacteria and E. Coli Bacteria. Additionally, free chlorine levels are within the optimal range, and all other daily water quality tests have returned normal results.

With the testing complete and safety confirmed, Onancock residents can now resume normal water use. Town officials appreciate the community’s patience and cooperation throughout the advisory.

The issue was caused when a pipe on the Ames Street Bridge cracked in extremely cold weather over the weekend, which drained the town’s water tower. Officials worked urgently to isolate the leak, but by 3 p.m., a Boil Water Advisory was issued after water pressure dropped below 15 PSI. While no contamination was detected, the advisory was enacted as a precaution. Town crews worked in harsh conditions, wading through ice and mud to make emergency repairs. The leak, stemming from multiple breaks in an old water line, caused significant water loss, prompting ongoing efforts to restore full service.