Updated January 11th, 2025 2:07PM
After several days of disrupted access to clean tap water, Richmond Mayor Danny Avula announced that the boil-water advisory has officially been lifted as of Saturday, January 11, 2025. This comes after extensive efforts to resolve the issues caused by a power failure at the city’s water treatment facility during a recent snowstorm.
Laboratory testing confirmed the water supply is now safe for consumption, with two consecutive rounds of testing showing no contamination. While water from faucets may appear temporarily cloudy as the system normalizes, officials have assured residents this is due to harmless trapped air bubbles and does not pose any health risks.
The crisis, which began earlier this week, affected nearly 230,000 residents in Richmond and parts of neighboring Hanover and Henrico counties. A city-wide boil-water advisory was issued after the water treatment plant lost power, leading to a loss of water pressure. In response, the city took swift action by setting up bottled water distribution centers, deploying tanker trucks to hospitals and critical facilities, and partnering with community centers to provide showers and other amenities.
The advisory also caused disruptions across the city, including the closure of public schools and the delay of the Virginia legislative session. Lawmakers postponed their first full working day, highlighting the broad impact of the event.
Mayor Avula acknowledged the community’s patience and resilience during this challenging time, emphasizing the importance of addressing aging infrastructure to prevent future incidents.
Residents are encouraged to continue conserving water as the system returns to normal and to report any lingering issues to the city’s water services hotline.
For updates on Richmond’s water system and other city services, visit rva.gov.
As Richmond enters the fourth day of its water crisis, the city continues to face significant challenges in restoring clean water to residents. The boil water advisory, initially expected to be lifted by now, is now unlikely to end before Friday, January 10, 2025.
Current Status:
- Water Treatment Progress: As of Thursday, January 9 8:30am on RVA.gov, ” the reservoir has a maximum capacity of 18 feet of water. Overnight, it filled to 17 feet, and we have successfully brought eight zones back online. We urge residents to continue conserving water as we work to bring the final zone up to the required 20 psi. Once this threshold is met, system-wide testing will commence.”
- Boil Water Advisory: The advisory remains in effect for all Richmond residents, as well as parts of Henrico and Hanover counties. City officials have stated that the advisory will not be lifted until the water system passes two rounds of testing, each conducted at least 16 hours apart, to ensure safety. This testing process means that clean water is unlikely to be available before Friday.
Impact on Community Services:
- Schools: Richmond Public Schools will remain closed through the end of the week. Superintendent Jason Kamras cited the need to test and possibly repair essential infrastructure, such as boilers and plumbing, which depends on water. The school system is collaborating with FeedMore to distribute meals to students at designated sites.
- Airports: Richmond International Airport has experienced significant disruptions, with restrooms and restaurants closed due to the water outage. Emergency operations have been activated, and tankers are delivering non-potable water to support essential services like aircraft de-icing. No timeline has been provided for the return of full water service at the airport.
- Community Centers: Facilities such as local YMCAs and the Weinstein Jewish Community Center are offering showers and community spaces to residents affected by the water outage. Residents are advised to bring a photo ID, towel, and toiletries.
Water Distribution Efforts:
The city, in partnership with organizations like the American Red Cross, continues to distribute bottled water to high-priority areas, including homeless shelters, public housing, and residences housing older adults. Distribution sites are operational across the city, and residents unable to leave their homes can call 311 to arrange water delivery.
Bottled water distribution sites:
- Annie Giles Community Center — 1400 Oliver Hill Way
- Broad Rock Library — 4820 Old Warwick Road
- West End Library — 5420 Patterson Avenue
- Hickory Hill Community Center — 3000 Belt Boulevard
- Bellemeade Community Center — 1800 Lynhaven Avenue
- Midtown Green — 2401 W Leigh Street
- Pine Camp Community Center — 4901 Old Brook Road
- Randolph Community Center — 1415 Grayland Avenue
- Westover Hills Community Center — 1301 Jahnke Road
- East End District Initiative (EDI) — 701 North 25th Street
- Southside Plaza — 4100 Hull Street Road
In addition, we received this information earlier this morning.
Looking Ahead:
City officials are working diligently to restore full water service and lift the boil water advisory. However, residents should prepare for the advisory to remain in effect through at least Friday. In the meantime, conserving water and adhering to boil water guidelines are crucial steps to ensure safety and aid in the restoration process.
For the latest updates, residents are encouraged to monitor official city communications and local news outlets.
INformation below is from January 8th, 2025 10:00AM
As Richmond enters its third day of the water problems caused by failures at the city’s water treatment plant, Mayor Danny Avula provided an early morning update on restoration efforts. Significant progress has been made, but challenges remain.
Progress at the Water Treatment Plant
After struggling with setbacks on Tuesday, including an electrical panel failure, the city announced early Wednesday, Jan. 8, that 12 filters and three pumps are now operational. These are producing 42 million gallons of water daily, up from nine million gallons Tuesday evening.
Two bypass pumps are being installed today to boost pressure at “Plant 2,” a move expected to bring additional filters and pumps online. Officials are targeting full capacity of 50 million gallons per day, with 12 filters and four pumps running. However, no updated timetable for complete water restoration has been provided.
Mayor Avula, who has been on-site monitoring progress, acknowledged the frustration of residents but urged patience as crews work to stabilize the system.
Water Distribution for January 8
Efforts to distribute bottled water continue across Richmond. Vulnerable populations, including homeless shelters, senior residences, and public housing, have been prioritized since Monday.
For those in need, water distribution sites are open today from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the following locations:
- Broad Rock Library: 4820 Old Warwick Road
- West End Library: 5420 Patterson Avenue
- Hickory Hill Community Center: 3000 Belt Boulevard
- Bellemeade Community Center: 1800 Lynhaven Avenue
- Midtown Green: 2401 W Leigh Street
- Pine Camp Community Center: 4901 Old Brook Road
- Randolph Community Center: 1415 Grayland Avenue
- Westover Hills Community Center: 1301 Jahnke Road
- East End District Initiative (EDI): 701 North 25th Street
- Southside Plaza: 4100 Hull Street Road
Residents unable to leave their homes can call 804-646-7000 to arrange water delivery.
Boil Water Advisory Remains in Effect
A citywide boil water advisory continues. Residents should boil tap water for at least three minutes before drinking or cooking or use bottled water. The advisory will be lifted only after thorough testing by the Virginia Department of Health confirms the water is safe.
Timeline of Events
Here’s how the problem unfolded:
Monday, Jan. 6:
- 7:30 a.m.: A winter storm causes a power outage at the water treatment plant. Backup systems fail, leading to IT and mechanical damage.
- 3:00 p.m.: The city issues a boil water advisory and asks residents to conserve water.
- 5:15 p.m.: Mayor Avula announces progress in clearing flooding and restoring filters but warns it will take time for water pressure to normalize.
Tuesday, Jan. 7:
- 8:15 a.m.: Two pumps and several filters are running, but water pressure remains low across the city.
- 12:33 p.m.: Water production resumes, but full service remains hours away.
- 6:20 p.m.: An electrical panel failure delays further repairs, extending the timeline.
Wednesday, Jan. 8:
- Early morning: Mayor Avula announces 42 million gallons of water are now flowing through the system with 12 filters and three pumps operational. Bypass pumps are being installed to accelerate restoration efforts.
Information below is from January 7th, 2025 9:15AM
Richmond’s water system is gradually recovering following a winter storm-induced power outage at the city’s water treatment plant along the James River. Mayor Danny Avula announced that water pressure is expected to be restored citywide within the next four to six hours. However, a boil water advisory remains in effect and is anticipated to continue for approximately 48 hours.
The outage led to flooding in the plant’s filter gallery, disrupting operations. As of Tuesday morning, two pumps are operational, actively refilling one of the system’s tanks—a significant milestone in the restoration efforts. Residents with running water are urged to conserve usage during this period.
In response to the crisis, the City of Richmond, in collaboration with the American Red Cross, initiated bottled water distribution on Monday, focusing on vulnerable populations. Efforts targeted high-priority areas, including homeless service providers, public housing, and residences housing older adults. This targeted outreach and distribution to areas of high need will continue as the situation develops.
The city’s water issues began with a winter weather-related power outage at the water plant on Monday morning. The power disruption affected the plant’s uninterrupted power supply, leading to flooding in the filter gallery, which is crucial for the water treatment process.
Residents are advised to stay informed through official city communications for updates on the restoration progress and the status of the boil water advisory. The city is working diligently to resolve the situation and ensure the safety and reliability of the water supply.
More information can be found the rva.gov.
Additionally, we’ve been asked to help disseminate the following information about water distribution:
Water Distribution Details
Times:
9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
3 p.m. to 5 p.m
Limit: 3 liters per person, per household
Updated Distribution Sites:
Broad Rock Library (8th & 9th District)
4820 Old Warwick Road
West End Library (1st District)
5420 Patterson Avenue
Hickory Hill Community Center (8th District)
3000 Belt Boulevard
Bellmeade Community Center (6th District)
1800 Lynhaven Avenue
Midtown Green (2nd District)
2401 W Leigh Street
Pine Camp Community Center (3rd District)
4901 Old Brook Road
Randolph Community Center (5th District)
1415 Grayland Avenue
Westover Hills Community Center (4th District)
1301 Jahnke Road
East End District Initiative (EDI) (7th District)
701 N. 25th Street
Southside Plaza (8th District)
4100 Hull Street
Please share this information to help ensure everyone has access to clean water.
