All consent order requirements have been met, switchgear project completed

Richmond, VA - One year after a major water system failure, Mayor Danny Avula marks a year of decisive action that has strengthened the region's water system, restored compliance, and significantly improved preparedness for the future.

Over the past 12 months, the City has completed infrastructure upgrades, met all consent order requirements, and rebuilt leadership and operations across the Department of Public Utilities. Richmond's water treatment plant is safe, resilient, and better prepared to serve residents and regional customers through day-to-day operations, extreme weather, and emergencies.

Mayor Danny Avula said, "One year ago, we faced a challenge that tested our community. Today, I can confidently say that Richmond is stronger than ever. We've invested in people, processes, and technology to ensure safe, reliable water for every resident and our regional customers. Last year was incredibly difficult, but it is firmly in the rearview mirror."

A Year of Action and Improvement

Since January 2025, Mayor Avula and his team, including Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald and Scott Morris, Director, Department of Public Utilities (DPU), have implemented sweeping changes to ensure reliability and resilience, beginning with rebuilding leadership and operational capacity.

Department of Public Utilities (DPU) Director Scott Morris, a professional engineer hired by Mayor Avula in January 2025, emphasized the department's shift in approach: "We've taken every lesson from last year and turned it into action. Our systems are upgraded, our leadership is stronger, and our focus is now on prevention, not just reacting to a crisis. Our commitment is delivering excellence. I'm proud of the team for the work it took to get us here, and the future of DPU."

The restructured DPU leadership team now brings over 140 years of combined experience, most of it from professional engineers. New Deputy Directors oversee Water Operations, Compliance, Engineering Services, Administration, and Customer Service, supported by senior staff at the Water Treatment Plant. Additional operators have been added to every shift to strengthen operational capacity.

Since the January 2025 water outage, DPU has advanced a series of capital and infrastructure improvements focused on strengthening the physical systems that keep the Water Treatment Plant operating safely and reliably. These investments modernize core electrical and pumping systems, add redundancy, and strengthen containment to build a more resilient plant.

Key 2025 infrastructure upgrades include:

• Upgrades to SCADA and filter uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems to increase runtime capacity
• Replacement and repair of filter effluent valves
• Ongoing integration of backup generators
• Repair of leaks and construction of additional secondary containment
• Redesign of overflow pumping systems
• Replacement or repair of finished water pumps

These efforts culminated in November 2025 with completion of the long-term switchgear project, delivering a critical infrastructure safeguard that did not exist during the January water outage. The newly installed and fully tested Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) ensures uninterrupted power to the Water Treatment Plant even in the event of primary and secondary power loss. This milestone significantly strengthens system reliability and represents a major step forward in modernizing Richmond's water infrastructure.

Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald said, "A commitment to excellence and accountability has guided each and every decision made during this past year as we continue to improve the water system. Richmonders deserve nothing less. Our best-in-class compliance rate and impactful capital improvement projects are proof of our commitment to Richmond residents and our willingness to do the hard things that improve the services we provide. That's our commitment to a Thriving Richmond."

100% of Consent Order Requirements Have Been Met

Additional key milestones achieved over the past year include:

• 93% of all internal and external recommendations (EPA, VDH, HNTB, SEH) have been completed; remaining items are tied to planned capital projects.
• All consent order requirements have been met, with the latest quarterly update submitted October 10, 2025.
• Continued compliance with the EPA required Consumer Confidence Report, which was submitted ahead of schedule and notes 100% compliance with all federal and state Safe Drinking Water Act Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for the reporting period.

Prepared for the Future

Richmond's water system is now equipped with redundant systems, strengthened emergency and communication plans, and a highly trained workforce prepared to respond quickly and effectively to any potential disruption.

Regional Coordination and Partnerships

Over the past year, the City strengthened coordination with state and regional partners to improve shared infrastructure planning, emergency preparedness, and long-term resilience.

The City worked closely with state and regional partners through regular meetings and coordinated capital planning efforts, including:

• May 30: Initial Capital Improvement Program (CIP) coordination meeting with regional partners
• June 30: Joint convening of Richmond and Henrico bodies
• August 18: Follow-up regional CIP meeting
• August 25: Regional emergency preparedness exercise
• September 30: Coordinated field testing along the 36" Hermitage Road water transmission main with Richmond, Hanover, and Henrico

"I appreciate that Mayor Avula and his team have been working assiduously on remedying this. Unfortunately, our water infrastructure is old and outdated and it will take time-and money-to fix it. I'm committed to making that happen so no one ever goes without access to clean, safe water again. As you probably remember, sadly, some of our neighboring communities were also impacted, and I am committed to working with my regional colleagues to fix this for the entire area and to ensure we all have a first class, modern water infrastructure that cannot and will not fail us," said Delegate Betsy Carr, Virginia House of Delegates.

With operational improvements, compliance goals, and leadership changes in place, Richmond is better prepared than ever to protect public health and deliver safe, reliable water to the communities it serves. This year of progress reflects the City's commitment to getting the fundamentals right and building a Thriving Richmond for today and the future. One year later, Richmond's water system is stronger, safer, and ready.

Photos available for use

Holiday Heroes: Trash Collection in the City of Richmond

Star Rowland, Ramon Singletary, and Christopher Brown will tell you immediately that their jobs are primarily about communication. "Trust plays a huge factor," Chris explains, and Star agrees. "You make a bond with the folks on the truck."

As a trash collection driver, Star's role is to get collectors like Ramon and Chris to the next site safely and to be an extra set of eyes while they load up the truck.

A day in Trash Collection

A workday starts earliest for drivers, especially during cold weather. They check the vehicle and warm it up so that everything is ready to go for the collectors. Then they're off, running a different route each day of the week. They can spend 5 or 6 hours on the truck early in the morning before they bring all the trash back to the transfer station. There, everything gets loaded onto a tractor trailer and goes to the landfill.

There's even more to load up during the holidays. The team notices more trash, and more food waste in particular means more animals. "When I see collectors start rushing, I know there's an animal in the can," Star says. Ramon and Chris have encountered raccoons, squirrels, rats, and even a snake or two on their routes!

Animals are just one of the hazards a Solid Waste team encounters on the job. The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists trash collection as one of the most dangerous jobs in the country.

"The only way trash collection works is if everybody is watching everybody," Ramon says. "Our lives are on the line every day."

Solid Waste teams are trained and certified in safety strategies, but keeping our trash collectors safe should be a community-wide effort. Here are some simple things you can do to help collection teams gather your trash quickly and safely.

• Drive carefully around collection vehicles. Drivers are working hard to keep their collectors safe, and their lines of sight are limited. Support the safety of our workforce by slowing down and keeping eyes open for collectors when you see a truck.
• Leave out the dangerous stuff. Most cans have a sticker listing items that can't be thrown away, like gas cans, propane tanks, and hazardous chemicals. Some of these items can damage a truck or cause explosions when they're compacted, and collectors have had chemicals like bleach spray out onto their uniforms. Check out disposal options for those items through the East Richmond Road Convenience Center.
• Bag your trash. The team says that when loose trash goes into a can, wind can send it flying. It's also more likely that an animal will get into the refuse. Tie your bags closed before dropping them into your can. "We're trash collectors, but we shouldn't have to clean up after folks," Star says.
• Place the can at the edge of your property on collection day. It can be unsafe for collectors to walk through a property to get a can, and it slows down an already tight schedule. Check your collection day and make sure cans are ready to go that morning. If you have mobility challenges that make moving your can difficult, you can review the City's Back Door Service policy to see if you're eligible.
• Reduce the weight of each can. When lids are regularly open and overflowing, water can get in and weigh down trash. Same with bulk items; the truck tippers can snap off if they lift a can that's too heavy. Order another can by calling 311, and make sure your larger items go to bulk collection instead.
• Read your notes. When collectors notice an issue with your can, they'll often leave a green or orange ticket on top of the can. If you spot a colorful card, take the time to read it. Most often, the collectors are trying to help someone replace a broken can, which is quick and free. The team says it's rewarding when they come back the following week and see a new can. It means someone read their message and followed the guidance!

A few small habit changes from residents-and a little more awareness of the people who take on this vital role-can make a big positive impact on a collection team's workday. And a little more awareness of the people who take on this vital role helps us all keep our neighborhoods clean. "You gotta keep trash on schedule," says Ramon. "It keeps society running."

What's the best part of trash collection work? 

The kids! The students on Chris's route like to hear the horn honked each week, and Ramon shouts out the little girl on his route who's named their truck Wilbur.

RICHMOND, Va. - The City of Richmond is marking the first successful use of its Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) program, now supporting energy efficiency, resiliency, and sustainable reinvestment in commercial and multifamily properties across the City.

C-PACE provides eligible property owners with access to long-term, fixed-rate financing for qualifying improvements through a voluntary assessment tied to the property. By reducing upfront cost barriers and aligning repayment with long-term building performance, the program supports sustainable redevelopment while advancing the City's environmental and economic priorities.

"C-PACE connects sustainability goals with real-world investment," said Laura Thomas, Director of the City's Office of Sustainability. "This program supports the Mayor's vision for thriving neighborhoods, sustainable infrastructure, and an inclusive economy by helping property owners improve building performance, reduce environmental impact, and contribute to long-term community vitality."

This landmark project will transform a major block of downtown Richmond through the redevelopment of the former Dominion Energy tower at 707 East Main Street. The tower's lower floors will be converted into an AC Hotel by Marriot, with the upper floors converted into apartments. The ground floor will feature the AC Lounge, a restaurant open to the public.

"On behalf of Norman Jamal and the Douglas Development Team, Senior Managing Principal of Douglas Development, is thrilled to be the first property owner to successfully use C-PACE in the City of Richmond." said Isaac Rudin, Capital Markets and Investments Manager at Douglas Development. "Adaptive reuse is the future of urban placemaking-when done right, it can reinvigorate neighborhoods, preserve character, and create lasting vibrancy. We are honored to partner with Richmond on enabling the Dominion Building's transformation into a more energy-efficient structure and a revitalized use. Douglas Development is appreciative of the strong collaboration with the city government and specifically wants to thank Mayor Danny Avula for helping to lead the way to a robust future for downtown Richmond."

Richmond's C-PACE program operates in partnership with the Virginia PACE Authority and the Virginia Department of Energy, leveraging a statewide framework that expands access to clean energy financing for localities and property owners across the Commonwealth.

The City's engagement with property owners through C-PACE reflects a broader focus on using sustainability tools to encourage reinvestment, improve building performance, and support positive outcomes in the urban core. This approach reinforces the Mayor's pillars by linking environmental stewardship with economic opportunity and neighborhood vitality.

More information about the City of Richmond's C-PACE program, including eligibility requirements and the application process, is available at: rva.gov/sustainability/commercial-property-assessed-clean-energy

The City of Richmond will close in observance of New Year's Day on Thursday, January 1. All city offices, including City Hall, will be closed. We will return to our regular business hours on Friday, January 2. Keep reading for information about City service schedules during the holiday.

• There will be no trash collection or bulk and brush collection on Thursday, January 1. Collection will resume on Friday, January 2, for routes normally collected on Thursday.
• The East Richmond Road Convenience Center (ERRCC) Landfill, located at 3800 East Richmond Road, will be closed on Thursday, January 1. ERRCC will reopen on Friday, January 2.
• CVWMA recycling will not be collected on Thursday, January 1. It will be delayed by one day and recycling will be picked up on Friday, January 2. Go to cvwma.com for updates.
• All Richmond Public Library locations will close at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, December 31. They will reopen on Friday, January 2.
• RVA311 will be closed on Thursday, January 1 and will reopen on Friday, January 2. The public will have 24/7 access to self-service via RVA311.com and the RVA311 mobile app.
• Richmond Public Schools are closed for winter break from Monday, December 22, through Friday, January 2, and will reopen on Monday, January 5. RPS Offices are closed Thursday, January 1 and will reopen Friday, January 2.
• All Department of Parks, Recreation, and Community Facilities offices and community centers are closed for recreational activities on Thursday, January 1. They will reopen on Friday, January 2.
• The Department of Public Utilities Call Center is closed on Thursday, January 1. For utility emergencies, customers should call 804-646-4646 and press Option 1. For gas leaks, leave the area and call 911.
• Richmond Animal Care and Control will be closed on Thursday, January 1. RACC will reopen with regular walk-in hours on Friday, January 2.

For the full schedule of City holidays, please visit the holiday closings web page. 

RICHMOND, Va. — The City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities (DPU), in partnership with TY Lin, has been recognized by the American Council of Engineering Companies of Metropolitan Washington (ACEC/MW) with 2025 Engineering Excellence Awards for two major infrastructure projects: Mayo Island Park Design and Chimborazo Drop Shaft & Sewer Replacement.

The Mayo Island Park Design project supports the City’s vision for revitalized public park spaces. The Chimborazo Drop Shaft & Sewer Replacement project strengthens critical wastewater infrastructure and enhances system reliability that protects the James River and public health.
The awards were presented during the ACEC/MW 2025 Engineering Excellence Awards ceremony on Dec. 16, 2025, honoring projects that demonstrate exceptional engineering achievement, innovation and collaboration.

Scott Morris, Director of the Department of Public Utilities remarks, “These projects show how engineering excellence translates into real world benefits for our community. These projects not only strengthen essential infrastructure systems, but also enhance the spaces Richmond residents use every day”
“These awards reflect the strength of our partnerships and the dedication of the teams working to improve Richmond’s infrastructure,” said Laura Bendernagel, Deputy Director, Senior, Engineering Services. “Both projects required thoughtful planning, technical expertise and close coordination, and we are proud to see that work recognized at the regional level.”

DPU extends its appreciation to TY Lin for its service and collaboration throughout the design and delivery of both projects. The Department also recognizes City of Richmond
DPU Project Managers Susan Hamilton and Howard Glenn, along with the broader DPU project team, for their leadership and commitment to excellence.
The City of Richmond DPU remains committed to delivering high-quality, resilient infrastructure projects that support public health, environmental stewardship and quality of life for Richmond residents.

About the City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities 

The City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities provides natural gas, water, wastewater, stormwater and streetlight services to more than 500,000 customers in the Richmond metropolitan area. DPU is committed to safety, reliability and innovation in delivering essential utility services that support the city’s residents, businesses and environment.