BY MILES LAYTON
The Town of Tangier remains under a boil water advisory as it awaits the results of a second round of water samples sent to the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) laboratory.
Despite the inconvenience, the crisis has highlighted the strength and unity of the island’s residents. Volunteers, first responders, and county officials have all worked together to ensure that no one is left behind during the advisory period.
Though the first set of tests came back negative for both E. coli and coliform bacteria, the town is required to receive two consecutive negative results before the advisory can be lifted. Residents have now spent two weeks boiling their tap water to ensure safety for drinking, cooking, and brushing teeth. Town officials confirmed on Thursday that while they are encouraged by the initial test results, the precautionary measures must continue until full clearance is received from the VDH.
The second set of samples was sent to the VDH earlier this week, and results are not expected until the end of the weekend or possibly Monday. Until then, the boil advisory remains firmly in place.
In response to the ongoing water concerns, assistance has come from Accomack County, which sent over 50 cases of bottled water for the island’s residents. A larger shipment—a full pallet of bottled water—is scheduled for delivery on Friday.
Local officials say that water distribution will be prioritized for the elderly and immunocompromised individuals. If supplies allow, remaining bottles will be made available to other residents.
The mayor and town council issued a public statement thanking Accomack County for their support during the crisis. They extended appreciation to the Department of Public Safety and its director, C. Ray Pruitt, as well as the Tangier Volunteer Fire Department, Capt. Allen Parks, and the Onley Walmart, which played a role in supplying the bottled water.
On the island, several volunteers have stepped up to help ensure the water and food supplies reach those who need them. Residents Tim Trumble, Fran Ellis, Trevor Pruitt, Kelly Wheatley, and Tracy Pruitt were among those helping with delivery and logistics. Suzanne Pruitt and her team also worked to distribute food provided by the Eastern Shore Food Bank.
Though supplies were limited, the town emphasized its commitment to prioritizing those most vulnerable. Officials acknowledged that some households may have been missed in the first round of deliveries but asked for patience and understanding as they work to make resources stretch to meet community needs.
The boil advisory has impacted everyday life on the island, which relies heavily on its small-town infrastructure and community cooperation. While bottled water has helped ease some of the burden, boiling water remains the primary safeguard for ensuring public health.
As Tangier waits for the final lab results, officials are asking residents to remain vigilant and continue boiling water for any use involving consumption or hygiene. Notices will be posted and shared with the community as soon as the town receives word from the VDH that the water is safe.
Until the boil notice is officially lifted, town leaders urge all residents to stay informed, continue following safety protocols, and look out for neighbors in need.
Tangier Island, Virginia 