City News

Public Utilities

City of Richmond DPU meets EPA deadline for Lead and Copper Rule Regulations

Posted on October 31, 2024

Richmond, VA – The City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities (DPU) met the October 16, 2024 deadline to submit, to the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), an inventory map that identifies the material of water service lines. This deadline is part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR), which requires a continued focus on eliminating lead lines across the nation.

The interactive map, available to the public since March 2024, identifies what is known about the material of the service lines that deliver drinking water to homes and businesses. The City has been building this map for the past two years, primarily using information obtained from City records. However, customer action is needed to help in this identification process by the completion of a survey. This on-line survey, which takes on average 10 minutes to complete, requests information on the customer owned, water service line material. This vital information will aid in development of a long-term, lead replacement plan. This replacement plan will define the effort needed to meet EPA’s regulations requiring that all lead pipes be replaced within 10 years.

DPU is sending 85,000+ letters to Richmond residents beginning TODAY as part of the LCRR regulations. The requirement states the City must notify persons served at properties where the service line material is unknown or confirmed to be lead or galvanized within 30 days of the map submittal. These letters are required annually, which is why we are continuing to strongly encourage customers to complete the survey.

“The Department of Public Utilities takes its mission to provide safe, clean and reliable drinking water to its customers very seriously. We play a critical role in ensuring the public health of our community is always foremost and eliminating lead service lines is part of our mission work,” says April Bingham, DPU senior director.

Richmond’s drinking water has always met and usually exceeds standards set by EPA and VDH. DPU continuously monitors the safety of its drinking water, with continuous testing for numerous substances. The results of these tests are shared with VDH monthly and published annually in the City’s Consumer Confidence Report.

We remind citizens that eliminating the risk of lead getting into drinking water is a shared responsibility. Richmond’s drinking water does not contain lead when it leaves the treatment plant. Rather, instances of lead in water can occur from water service lines made of lead as well as internal plumbing materials. A portion of each water service line is owned by the City (public), and a portion is owned by the property owner (private).  

The City will continue work to eliminate the risk of lead from drinking water. More information on lead in water or the Lead Free Water Program can be found here or by calling the 804-646-8600.

City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities hosting senior weatherization kit giveaway event

City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities hosting senior weatherization kit giveaway event

HAPPENING TODAY!

Richmond, VA – The City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities is hosting senior weatherization kit giveaway events as part of its Senior Care Program. The kits contain sample items such as weather stripping, plastic window covering, draft stopping outlet covers and an energy saving lightbulb. These items are designed to assist seniors with winterizing their homes and reducing their home heating costs. All Richmond seniors aged 65 and up are encouraged to visit on any of the following days to receive a free kit, while supplies last.

DATE

LOCATION

Thursday, October 24

10:00 am – 2:00 pm

North Avenue Library
2901 North Avenue

Thursday, October 31

10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Southside Community Service Center
4100 Hull Street

 

MEDIA ADVISORY

October 24, 2024

Contact: Rhonda Johnson          

Hayden Hill Fire Line Project

The City of Richmond is working to extend a water main through Hayden Hill Lane, providing water services and enhanced fire protection for residents along this road.

"Pipeline Trail" FAQs

CITY OF RICHMOND’s COMBINED SEWER PIPE

commonly known as the “Pipeline Trail”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)