The Alexandria Water Department issued a boil water advisory on Feb. 19 for all properties along Alex Mall Drive following repairs to a 6-inch water line that caused a temporary loss of water pressure.

According to Barrett Dezendorf, Superintendent of Water Operations, the disruption may have compromised water quality in the affected area. The advisory is effective immediately and will remain in place until further notice.

Residents and businesses in the advisory area are advised to disinfect water before consumption, including for drinking, ice, brushing teeth, and food preparation. Water should be boiled for one full minute in a clean container once it reaches a rolling boil. Tips for improving taste include shaking, pouring between containers, or adding a small pinch of salt per quart.

Once the advisory is lifted, residents and businesses should:

• Run cold-water faucets for one minute

• Run drinking water fountains for one minute

• Flush automatic icemakers by making and discarding three batches of ice

• Regenerate water softeners

• Run directly connected water coolers for five minutes

For more details and a map of the affected area, contact the Alexandria Water Department.