Richmond, VA — In the overnight hours, at approximately 1:30 a.m., the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) noticed through standard monitoring processes low water pressure in the distribution system. Crews responded and confirmed a water main break on a 36” line that runs parallel to the canal. As a result, customers in some portions of the City were impacted and experienced low or no pressure, resulting in no water for a period of time for some users. 

DPU crews were able to isolate the main and restore water to some impacted customers within a few hours. Some customers are still experiencing low pressure; DPU is working continuously to restore pressure. It is important for customers to know that drinking water remains safe.  

DPU coordinated with regional partners and diverted flow from Henrico to allow crews to assess the underlying problem. DPU’s initial assessment shows that extensive repairs will be needed, and are expected to take several weeks. During that time, we will continue to maintain service to all users, and water disruption is not anticipated. DPU will update customers through CivicReady and on RVA.gov as more information becomes available.  

DPU continues to coordinate with its regional partners and may adjust system operations further to address any localized pressure concerns. 

This was an isolated water main break and all water pressure remained safe throughout. Drinking water remains safe.  

For the most up-to-date information on utility work impacts in their area, citizens are encouraged to sign up for CivicReady to receive alerts. 

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A CivicReady alert was dispatched at 2:36 a.m. reporting a water main break at the Trafford Pump Station and Westhampton Pump Station. As further assessment was conducted, the specific location of the water main break was determined. 

Richmond, VA — In the overnight hours, at approximately 1:30 a.m., the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) noticed through standard monitoring processes low water pressure in the distribution system. Crews responded and confirmed a water main break on a 36” line that runs parallel to the canal. As a result, customers in some portions of the City were impacted and experienced low or no pressure, resulting in no water for a period of time for some users. 

DPU crews were able to isolate the main and restore water to some impacted customers within a few hours. Some customers are still experiencing low pressure; DPU is working continuously to restore pressure. It is important for customers to know that drinking water remains safe.  
 
DPU coordinated with regional partners and diverted flow from Henrico to allow crews to assess the underlying problem. DPU’s initial assessment shows that extensive repairs will be needed, andare expected to take several weeks. During that time, we will continue to maintain service to all users, and water disruption is not anticipated. DPU will update customers through CivicReady and on RVA.gov as more information becomes available.  

DPU continues to coordinate with its regional partners and may adjust system operations further to address any localized pressure concerns. 
 
This was an isolated water main break and all water pressure remained safe throughout. Drinking water remains safe.  

For the most up-to-date information on utility work impacts in their area, citizens are encouraged to sign up for CivicReady to receive alerts. 

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A CivicReady alert was dispatched at 2:36 a.m. reporting a water main break at the Trafford Pump Station and Westhampton Pump Station. As further assessment was conducted, the specific location of the water main break was determined. 
 

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.

Current decals to expire on July 31, 2026  

Richmond, VA  — 2026-2027 residential parking permits for residents of the Mulberry and Randolph Restricted Parking Districts will go on sale beginning Monday, July 6 and are effective beginning August 1, 2026 to July 31, 2027.  

2025-2026 permits will expire on Friday, July 31. 

Pricing 

• Automobile Decals: $25 
• Motorcycle Decals: $25 

Residents may fill out their permit application and make their payment online at go.rva.gov/parkingpermits or in-person at City Hall (900 E. Broad St.).  

Visitor passes are also available and limited to two per household or building address at a cost of $35 each.  

Residency Requirements 

A resident is either the residing owner of record or renter of a property located within the Restricted Parking District, as well as immediate family members who reside with the owner at the designated address.  

To enable the Department of General Services to verify residency, the following information and photo identification must be provided: 

• Residential property owners must provide either a copy of their real estate bill or other information that verifies ownership of the property 
• Renters must provide a valid written lease for the property in the Parking District, and have the appropriate approval of the property owner on the application they present 

Residents can get more information, verify residency and purchase a permit through the online portal at: www.rva.gov/public-works/parking-enterprise  

For additional details, please use the 311 mobile app, online portal at www.RVA311.com or call 3-1-1. 

As dangerously high temperatures impact the region, the City of Richmond is taking a series of proactive steps to protect the health and safety of residents, visitors, employees, and first responders during the ongoing heatwave.

Extreme heat remains one of the leading weather-related causes of illness and death in the United States, particularly among older adults, young children, individuals experiencing homelessness, and those with chronic medical conditions. City officials are urging all residents to take precautions, stay hydrated, limit outdoor activity during peak afternoon hours, and check on neighbors, family members, and friends who may be especially vulnerable. 

“As part of the City's response, Richmond has activated cooling resources and is working closely with public safety agencies, community organizations, and service providers to help all residents stay safe throughout the duration of the extreme heat event,” said  Director of Neighborhood and Community Services Tiffany Ford. “Residents may find respite from the heat at one of many cooling centers, public pools, or Richmond Public Library locations.” These include: 

• The Salvation Army-operated cooling center at 1900 Chamberlayne Avenue (open at 11a.m. on Thursday, July 2 through 8a.m. on Sunday, July 5. Note that the cooling center will temporarily close each morning from 8a.m. to 10a.m. for shelter cleaning, and will reopen at 10a.m., except on Thursday when it will initially open at 11a.m. 
• On Thursday, July 2, residents may visit Southside Place, the Community Resource and Training Center (CRTC), Richmond Public Libraries, and City public pools during regular operation hours. 

Additional information on cooling resources can be found at https://rva.gov/strategic-communications/news/stay-cool-summer-city-richmond 

The City is also taking measures to reduce its own impact on energy demand, recognizing that periods of extreme temperatures place a unique demand on climate control systems. As such, building automation systems in select City-owned properties will temporarily adjust setpoints to reduce energy demand. Employees have also been asked to do their part in reducing demand by turning off lights, unplugging non-essential equipment, and keeping exterior doors and windows closed, among other measures. 

Dogwood Dell Independence Day Celebration Cancelled   

After careful consideration of current weather forecasts and anticipated heat index values this weekend, the City has also announced the cancellation of its annual Fourth of July celebration scheduled for July 4, 2026, at Dogwood Dell. While the annual celebration is a cherished Richmond tradition and an important part of the Festival of Arts, as well as this year's commemoration of the nation's 250th anniversary, City leaders determined that proceeding with the event would present unacceptable health and safety risks for attendees, performers, volunteers, staff, and first responders. 

"The safety and well-being of our residents will always come first," said  Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Operations Al Wiggins. "We understand how much this event means to our community and appreciate the public's understanding and support. Although we are disappointed that we are unable to move forward with this year's celebration, this decision reflects our commitment to protecting the public during this prolonged period of dangerous heat." 

The City encourages residents who choose to celebrate Independence Day to do so safely by: 

• Staying hydrated and avoiding prolonged outdoor exposure during the hottest parts of the day. 
• Wearing lightweight, light-colored clothing and seeking air-conditioned spaces whenever possible. 
• Checking on elderly neighbors, family members, and others who may be vulnerable to heat-related illness. 
• Never leaving children or pets unattended in vehicles. 
• Following all applicable local and state laws regarding fireworks and practicing safe holiday celebrations. 

The Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities extends its sincere appreciation to the residents, community partners, sponsors, volunteers, performers, and public safety personnel who invested significant time and effort in planning this year's Fourth of July celebration. Their continued partnership helps ensure Richmond remains a safe, resilient, and connected community.  

Residents are encouraged to monitor City communication channels, including Richmond Ready , for information about cooling centers, heat safety resources, and any additional operational updates as weather conditions evolve. 

Additional information regarding heat safety resources and future City events will be shared through the City's official communication channels and will be collected at go.rva.gov/weather. 

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The City of Richmond has identified serious health and safety hazards at Legacy at Imperial Village, a privately-owned, market-rate apartment complex on Richmond’s Northside, and is requiring immediate corrective action by the property owner.  

Last week, City building inspectors, fire officials, and code enforcement staff were on site conducting inspections, documenting violations, and enforcing compliance with City health and safety requirements to protect residents.  

The City has been frequently engaged with this property and its owner since 2024, with multiple engagements dating back to 2017. We have previously issued notices of violations which the owner addressed within the required timeframe. However, new complaints continued throughout this spring and prompted last week’s additional inspections. Those inspections found widespread insect infestations, unsanitary food preparation areas, non-functional elevators, non-functional backup power systems, non-functional fire systems, and more.  

As a result, I am now singularly focused on ensuring the property owner immediately and adequately addresses the current life-safety hazards on the property and in each of the four occupied buildings. 

To that end, today we met with the property owners and managers and have issued a compliance plan that will require them to make corrective action on the most urgent issues and will establish clear deadlines for additional corrections over the next 30 days and beyond.  

Ultimately, the property owner is responsible for providing residents with safe, code-compliant housing, but the City’s responsibility is to protect the health and safety of residents through enforcement. We will continue to use the tools available to ensure the required repairs are completed as quickly and safely as possible.