Water For The People! Locals Petition To Reopen Richmond’s Historic Springs

by | Jan 14, 2025 | COMMUNITY, ENVIRONMENTAL, RICHMOND NEWS

Only just last November, a visiting out-of-town friend and I met up at the Wayside Spring, and as far as sacred, spirit-filled destinations in this special piece of land go, that was natural magic. Even as we talked, a deer and other wildlife enjoyed the ecosystem the spring sustains. I had an awakening to the source of life and what is too often encountered in captive vessels of plastic bottles.

During the recent Richmond Water Crisis, members of many communities stepped in to address various facets of relief efforts. The revelation of this city- and region-wide issue sparked catalysts for a wave of energy toward education and solution-focused thinking. Laney Sullivan and Jameson Price of the band Holy River poured their knowledge into an online resource-sharing group to collect stories and share information about these many natural assets. They also started a petition to address opening access to the natural water springs in the region.

Once the springs were the neighborhoods’ and communities’ water source. These unique public resources now need to be better considered, refurbished, preserved, and utilized for the good of the whole region and beyond. The lessons of these times are endless, and I welcome the opportunity to ask them some questions that bring light to this water we live with in this city.

Wayside-Spring_photo-Todd-Raviotta_RVA-Magazine-2025
The Wayside Spring, Richmond, VA, photo by Todd Raviotta

How did you fare during this winter storm water outage?

Our hometown of Richmond, Virginia, was without drinkable water for almost a week. Our water treatment plant failed after a brief power outage. In response, we started a Facebook group called the Richmond Springs Collective, which is petitioning for the city to open as many of our city’s historic springs as possible to create lasting, free access to water in our communities.

There are at least 12 known springs throughout the city that have served residents in multiple neighborhoods for generations. Many were closed within the last 20 years due to divestment by the city. We want them open for ourselves and for our children. Knowing now the fragile, aging infrastructure of our municipal water system, we do not think this will be the last time we face a local water crisis.

I was in film school when I saw a fellow student’s documentary about cleaning litter out of one of the springs’ watersheds in the late 1990s.

When did you become aware of these natural blessings of the River City?

I became aware of the springs 10 years ago when I moved across the street from Fonticello Spring. In talking to my neighbors and learning more about the park, I realized what an important part of people’s lives and culture Fonticello Spring has been throughout our neighborhood’s history.

How many springs do you know of in the Richmond area?

We know of at least 8–12 springs throughout the city. Here are a few: Fonticello Spring, Byrd Park Spring, Chimborazo Park Spring, Fifth Avenue Spring, Libby Hill Spring, Terrace Spring, Masonic Lane Spring, Wayside Spring (still open), Buttermilk Spring, and Clark Spring.

Some have been closed off behind locked doors, with the water flowing into the sewer.

Map-of-Richmond-natural-springs_RVA-Magazine-2025
A Google map of some of the known Richmond Historic Springs HERE.

What is the short history of why these springs are closed and out of access?

The springs were closed at different times for various reasons. One spring, Wayside Spring, is still open and actively used by many people.

The spring history I know best is of Fonticello Spring. Fonticello Spring was a source of water and a gathering place for indigenous communities before colonization. In the 1800s, the land was purchased by the Taylors, who bottled and sold the water through the “Fonticello Bottling Company.” The water was believed to have healing properties.

In the 1920s, Council Member Carter Jones helped turn the Taylor estate into a public park, and the spring was opened to the public. It became a hub of community activity, with people gathering weekly to collect water or simply to connect with others.

In the 1980s, the spring was redesigned, but the new design had flaws. The drain screens weighed 200 pounds each, and leaf litter would frequently block them. When the spring overflowed, city workers struggled to clean it due to the heavy covers. From what I understand, the spring was last closed to the public around 2013 or 2014.

Ed. note: Here is a story from 2008 about the city testing the springs.

I’ve also heard that the city previously had access to a state-funded water testing program, but it was defunded at some point. Afterward, the city did not want to take on the expense of testing the water themselves.

Ed. note: Read about the history of Fonticello Park and it’s spring HERE.

What is your thought on the ancient natural springs’ function in a world with century-old, deteriorating water plants with many cited issues, and with multinational corporations and individuals privatizing water ownership and exploiting natural resources for profit?

I believe that water is a basic, fundamental right for every living being. Before our city’s water treatment plant was built in 1924, many communities relied on the springs for their water. Springs have been essential to human survival throughout history.

We’ve heard stories that, when the springs were still open, residents sometimes turned to them when the city cut off their water. Springs like these are akin to non-religious sacred sites—places where people come together to share a common necessity provided freely by the earth.

What is the best way, in your view, to serve the community when civil institutions fail or are designed to crumble?

Continue to show up, in whatever capacity possible, to help co-create the world we believe is possible. This means honoring and de-monetizing the natural world and its resources, which in turn fosters a deeper respect for each other.

What are some of the important resources you have cataloged to investigate the springs’ history and their importance to the region?

As I learn more about the springs from local historians and firsthand accounts, I keep discovering more of them. This journey has helped me see and appreciate Richmond in a new way.

I see a deep connection between our seven hills, the fall line, and the river. These elements create a lush landscape overflowing with springs. We truly live on a “Rich-mound,” with hills of soil and creeks flowing down to our powerful river.

Richmond-from-the-hill-above-the-waterworks-engraved-by-W.J.-Bennett-from-a-painting-by-G.-Cooke-1834_RVA-Magazine-2025
Richmond, from the hill above the waterworks / engraved by W.J. Bennett from a painting by G. Cooke 1834

What is your solutionary and hopepunk outlook vision on the moves the Commonwealth might make to ensure this land is not only continually inhabitable but also restores balance and harmony with the natural jewel this spot of the Earth is and could be?

I think there’s a significant opportunity for the city to open these springs as cultural and historical landmarks. They are found in almost every neighborhood and community, making them accessible touchstones of both history and sustainability. There could even be historical tours centered around the springs, connecting residents and visitors to their importance.

Most of the springs are already located on city-owned land within our public parks, so preserving them shouldn’t be too difficult. By restoring and maintaining these natural assets, we can both honor the past and create a sustainable future that fosters harmony with this unique and beautiful environment.

What are some things everyone can and should do to make personal changes that will magnify and amplify the direction we must move companies and policymakers towards?

As with any movement, it will require a diversity of tactics. Discover how you enjoy showing up and participate to your capacity. But understand that it is a long road to walk—pace yourself for a lifetime of effort and never lose sight of the co-created vision.

What are resources and initiatives worth mentioning, both for navigating this recent water crisis in Richmond and for doing the work going forward?

Richmond is fortunate to have a well-established mutual aid network.

Organizations like MAD RVA, RVA Community Fridges, Food Not Bombs, and the city’s community garden programs—including Sankofa, Fonticello Food Forest, Chimborazo Native Food Project, McDonough Garden, Owl Orchard Community Garden, Broad Rock Community Garden, Alice Fitz Community Garden, Maymont Community Garden, Gilpin Garden, and Maymont —are excellent spaces to connect, get your hands in the dirt, and build resilient communities together.

What is the importance of spring water available for public use?

This water crisis has underscored the public’s need for free access to water. Richmond has a history of communities relying on springs throughout the city.

I believe that all citizens of Richmond should have access to the springs, which still flow freely through our city—even now, as you read this. Our city was founded around these springs. They are not only vital to our history but also to our future climate resilience.

With the increasing intensity of storms and floods due to climate change, we are certain to face more water and power outages. At the very least, the city should reopen these resources to the public, honoring their legacy as life-giving landmarks. By doing so, each generation can connect with the one before it through the replenishing waters of the springs.

Main photo by Todd Raviotta

Petition-to-Reopen-Richmond’s-Historic-Springs_RVA-Magazine-2025

SIGN PETITION TO REOPEN RICHMOND’S HISTORIC SPRINGS


Letter to the Mayor

To: Mayor Danny Avula, City Council Members, Department of Parks and Recreation, and Department of Public Utilities
Subject: Call to Reopen and Revitalize Richmond’s Historic Springs

Dear Mayor Avula and City Council,

We, the undersigned residents of Richmond, Virginia, respectfully petition for the reopening of Richmond’s Historic Springs to provide a sustainable and vital source of water to our community.

In light of growing concerns about water scarcity, aging infrastructure, and the increasing need for emergency preparedness, the reopening of these springs represents an opportunity to address these challenges while honoring Richmond’s heritage.

The Historic Springs are more than just a relic of the past; they are a valuable natural resource with the potential to serve residents once again. Historically, these springs provided essential water to our community, and with proper restoration, they could do so today—offering accessible water for non-potable uses such as flushing toilets, cleaning, and other daily needs, particularly in times of crisis. 

 This initiative would not only alleviate some pressure on Richmond’s water supply system but also foster resilience and equity in our community by ensuring free access to an alternative water source for all residents.

Our communal waters, are a life-saving resource and a right to all. 

Reopening the springs would demonstrate the elected officials’ sincere commitment to the tax payers by immediately addressing their urgent need for water and preserving their historic and environmental landmarks.

By signing this petition, we affirm our strong support for this initiative and call upon city leaders to prioritize the reopening and revitalization of Richmond’s Historic Springs for the benefit of current and future generations.

Sincerely,
The People of Richmond


Photos and captions from Richmond Springs Collective

Map-of-Virginia-State-Penitentiary-springs_M-Ellyson-map-section-Library-of-Virginia.-1856_RVA Magazine 2025
1856. A long forgotten city spring, now hidden underground and channeled into the Richmond storm sewer system. The fate of all springs in urban areas. Spring Street in Oregon Hill is named such. There were two springs just in front of the Virginia State Penitentiary. Credit: M Ellyson map section, Library of Virginia. 1856. Submitted by Tom Elliott

On the western end of Spring Street, entering into Hollywood Cemetery is found marked on this old map I have, a natural water spring, I think circa 1877. I add to this comment an article regarding closing the Hollywood Cemetery water branch, no name attached, encased in culvert documented by the Richmond Dispatch, May 1, 1888. This branch, I think, may have, indeed, been the historic Clarkes Spring. Clarkes Spring had been popular as a resort area in the first quarter of the 19th century, many years prior to the establishment, in 1848, of Hollywood Cemetery. Therefore the view would have been rolling hills surrounding this major ravine of Clarkes Spring. Caption by Richard Bland

Barton Mansion Richmond Spring at 2112 Monteiro Ave
his old spring is located in the bamboo forest behind the Barton Mansion. I’m not exactly sure whose property the spring is on, but a couple of years ago, I had permission from some of the people who moved into the mansion after the renovation to explore the area. I found all kinds of magical things back there. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to find much information about this spring, aside from a picture I came across on Reddit. It might be worth marking it on a map behind the Barton Mansion to note its location. Caption by Rebekah Mae

Chimborazo-Spring_RVA-Magazine-2025
The Chimborazo Spring is along the east side of this historic park. Once flowing plentifully providing artesian waters for Richmond until circa 1981 or so. Abandoned. I recall considering the water to be Richmond’s purest “tasting” water. Caption by Richard lee Bland

Todd Raviotta

Todd Raviotta

Artist in many forms. Sharing love for cutting things up as editor and fine art collage media mixer, love of music as a DJ, and love of light in photography and video. Educator of Film Studies and Video Production for over two decades. Long time RVAmag contributor and collaborator.




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