Geary Higgins, a member of the Virginia House of Delegates, announced that crews have repaired a water main break in Purcellville, Virginia. He said that state laboratories are conducting tests to confirm water quality. This announcement was made on the social media platform X.
“Purcellville Water — Just Received an Update from Governor Youngkin’s Office,” said Geary Michael Higgins, Virginia State Representative for 30th District. “The hard-working crews have successfully repaired the water main break in Purcellville. The VDH lab stayed open late to take bacteria samples last night, and a second set of samples will be taken this afternoon to ensure the water is clean. We are expecting the boil water advisory to be lifted on Friday.”
According to the Town of Purcellville, the water main break led to a boil-water advisory issued on October 29, 2025. Repairs and flushing commenced immediately following the incident. The advisory will remain in effect until laboratory testing confirms the safety of the drinking water. This situation highlights how pressure loss in municipal systems triggers mandatory public health responses across Virginia.
Virginia’s Department of Health requires two consecutive bacteriological samples with negative results before lifting a boil-water advisory. The department specifies procedures for responding to main breaks, including flushing, chlorination, and follow-up monitoring. These requirements establish measurable timelines that utilities must adhere to after system depressurization.
A recent failure in Richmond’s water system resulted in a boil-water advisory that remained in place until January 11, 2025. According to the Virginia Department of Health, multiple rounds of testing were necessary to confirm safety. The advisory affected several localities and lasted several days, demonstrating that large-scale failures typically extend beyond 48 hours due to testing and pressure restoration processes.
Higgins is a Republican member representing District 30 in the Virginia House of Delegates, as noted by Ballotpedia. His experience includes serving on the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors and the Loudoun County School Board, providing him with extensive knowledge in local governance. His background also encompasses policy work related to labor relations and regional infrastructure issues.
The Commonwealth of Virginia grants localities the authority to establish and operate waterworks, sewerage systems, and other public utilities under the Virginia Code. This legal framework defines how municipalities manage drinking-water infrastructure and emergency responses while guiding water-system operation, maintenance, and public-health protections.
