Update 5:55 p.m. Oct. 1: The New River Valley Water Authority said Tuesday it expects the boil-water advisory to last through the weekend.

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The New River Valley Water Authority issued a boil water notice Monday for residents of Montgomery County, including residents of the cities of Blacksburg and Christiansburg and Virginia Tech.

The water authority said historic flooding on the New River had resulted in “challenging water quality conditions.” The remnants of Hurricane Helene brought the river to flood levels not seen since 1940 over the weekend.

Boiling water kills bacteria and other organisms in the water, and drinking tap water without first boiling it could lead to stomach or intestinal illness, the agency said.

“Bring all tap water to a boil, allow to boil for one (1) minute and allow to cool before using, or use bottled water,” the agency said. “Be careful with boiling water; Allow the water to cool before attempting to move the container to avoid spills, scalding and burns. Boil quantities of water that you can handle safely.”

If someone is unable to boil water, an alternative method is to use recently purchased household bleach that is additive- and fragrance-free and contains at least a 5.25% hypochlorite solution. Add eight drops of bleach, or about a quarter teaspoon, to a gallon of water, stir and let sit for 30 minutes, the agency says.

Water purification tablets could also be used, the authority said.

The agency said around noon Monday that it expects to resolve the problem within the next 24 hours by adjusting the additives it uses to treat water.

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