Where can I get free bottled water in Hanover?
Jan 07, 2025
UPDATE: County officials announced that both water distribution sites, which were about to run out of water hours ahead of schedule, now have additional water.
HANOVER COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Hanover County residents impacted by the active boil water advisory can get free bottled water at two sites in the county on Tuesday.
On Tuesday, Jan. 7, Hanover officials issued a boil water advisory for residents and businesses east of Interstate 95, excluding the Doswell area. This comes after a power outage caused a malfunction of the Richmond city reservoir system -- an incident that sent shockwaves through both the city itself and Hanover, Henrico and Chesterfield counties.
If you are under this advisory, you are asked not to use tap water without boiling it, as it could pose a risk to your health.
MORE: Boil water advisory issued for parts of Hanover County
Hanover officials announced on Facebook early Tuesday afternoon that affected residents can pick up free bottled water at either of the following sites between 3 and 7 p.m. on Tuesday:
Atlee High School, 9414 Atlee Station Rd.
Cold Harbor Elementary School, 6740 Cold Harbor Rd.
Each household may take one case of water.
Shortly after 3 p.m., Hanover officials again took to Facebook to thank residents for their patience at the above sites:
"Thank you, Hanover, for your patience at our water distribution sites today," the post reads." We know many of you are waiting in line. More water is on the way."
At 4:30 p.m., Hanover officials announced on Facebook that these sites would run out of water to hand out before the scheduled 7 p.m. end time:
"Both of our distribution sites are anticipated to run out of water by 5 p.m.," officials said. "We are procuring additional cases of water, which we will distribute tomorrow. Keep up with our social media for more details."
RELATED: Richmond water treatment plant faces equipment failure after outage the day before
Our 8News crew on-site at Atlee High School witnessed another truck of water arriving just after 5 p.m., though it is not known how long it will last.
Hanover officials then posted to Facebook shortly after, saying both sites -- Atlee High and Cool Harbor Elementary -- have more water. Atlee High is reportedly busier, so officials suggested going to Cold Harbor if you want a case.
Our 8News crew got some photos of the line at Atlee High around 5:30 p.m.:
Line at Atlee High School during water distribution on Jan. 7. (Photo: Jakobi Davis/8News)
Line at Atlee High School during water distribution on Jan. 7. (Photo: Jakobi Davis/8News)
They were also told by John Cundiff, a spokesperson for the Hanover County Division of Fire, that about 60 cases of water are being handed out every 5 minutes.