In the evening hours of Monday, July 29 the City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities began receiving reports of discolored water. These occurrences were attributed to the return of the 36 inch water main back to service after isolating it over the July 4 weekend and not a water quality issue. Crews actively flushed hydrants to remove any sedimentation. Customers were also encouraged to flush their plumbing through their cold-water faucet. 

DPU continues to proactively monitor and is flushing hydrants in the areas around Stony Point/Cherokee/Custis Roads to improve water clarity. The water remains safe. DPU will remain onsite until flushing activities are no longer needed.

UPDATE (7/28, 8:40 p.m.): Crews continue flushing in the areas, adding Forest Hill Avenue.

Read here to learn more about discolored water.

Experiencing discolored water? This does not automatically mean water quality issues but could be the result of several factors. Two of the main sources are utility main disturbances and internal plumbing. 

When there is a water main break, system improvements and water main flushing activities, it is not uncommon for customers to see discolored water. A change in water pressure within the distribution system, often resulting from water main breaks, is also a common reason you may have discolored water. Sediments in pipes, trapped air in the system and natural minerals can lead to discoloration as well. 

Brown, red or yellow colored water usually contains an excess of iron/rust or manganese. If the discoloration appears across cold water faucets, a utility disturbance is likely the source. However, if it is isolated to hot water then the issue may be the water heater itself. Sediment and minerals build up at the bottom of the tank over time, which is why routine flushing is important. 

Green water is a sign that algae are present in the source water; river, lake or reservoirs that supply your water.

Blue water can occur if you use blue disinfectant in your toilet and your water supply was recently turned off. This could create a condition where water from the toilet tank is siphoned into the plumbing of your house.

Cloudy or white water is typically caused by trapped air, which is likely in cold water and can also come from construction and maintenance activities.

Most discolored water is safe to use for bathing and cleaning, but it may stain clothes or fixtures. Running the cold tap for several minutes can often flush out sediment. If discoloration continues, it is best to contact Richmond DPU at 804-646-4646 or you may also need to contact a plumber if it is related to home plumbing.

Customer Tips for After a Water Main Repair

• Starting on the lowest floor, slowly turn on each cold-water sink faucet, working your way to the highest floor.
• Once the water is clear (usually within 5 minutes), turn faucets off in the same order.
• Avoid flushing toilets or using tubs/showers until you’ve completed this process.
• The first time you use hot water, turn on the faucet slowly.

• Flush your refrigerator water line.

Still Seeing Discolored Water? Here’s What to Do...

1. Check Your Water

• Test your cold water once every 30 minutes by running one faucet for 1-2 minutes.
• If it’s still discolored, turn it off and check again in a half hour.
• In most cases, brown water clears within a few hours.

2. While You Wait

• Don’t let your water run continuously after the 2-minute test; it won’t clear faster.
• Avoid using hot water to keep sediment out of your water heater.
• Hold off on washing light-colored laundry to avoid discoloration of clothing. 

3. Once the Water Runs Clear

• Run all cold-water faucets for 1-2 minutes to flush your home’s plumbing.
• Clean faucet aerators if they’re clogged with sediment.
• If toilet water stays discolored, don’t worry; it may take longer to clear.
• If only your hot water is discolored, wait for sediment to settle, run hot water briefly or have your water heater flushed if needed.

Still seeing discolored water? Call 804-646-4646 to report discolored water. Your report helps crews identify affected areas and determine if additional hydrant flushing is needed.

RICHMOND, Va. – The City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities (DPU) has successfully completed the repairs and compliance testing of the damaged section of 36-inch water main that was isolated on July 3.

Crews successfully repaired the 36-inch water main in the canal by replacing the damaged section. Subsequent pressure testing, disinfection and water quality sampling to verify the integrity of the pipe and ensure it meets all regulatory requirements have all been completed. DPU will return the section of pipe to service on Monday. This will allow a full contingent of staff to be available to meet the needs of system and our customers. 

“This was our first significant service interruption since the crisis of January 2025, and our frontline teams worked around the clock to ensure our neighbors maintained access to essential life-sustaining resources,” said Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald II. "Aging infrastructure is a reality here in Richmond and across the country. Despite obvious challenges, our teams were able to address the problem quickly and effectively. For that, I am equally proud and grateful.”

“I’m pleased that our team successfully completed major repair and will be returning the full length of the 36-inch water main to service,” remarks Scott Morris, Director of the Department of Public Utilities. “This effort reflects the strength of our operating processes and procedures that keep a 100+ year old system running reliably. Completing this repair ahead of schedule and faster than the previous two repairs is a testament to our continued improvement and dedication.” 

The replaced section of water main was near the end of its useful life and had already been identified for replacement through DPU's 10-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP), which prioritizes investments that strengthen the reliability and resilience of Richmond's water system. 

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.

###

Note: this press release shares the latest water main updates from Monday, July 6, at 4:12 9.m. Looking for previous updates on the water main break and repair?  

• July 5, 9:52 a.m.: Water Pressure Optimized in Delivery System, Staging and Preliminary Work Underway for Repairs 
• July 3, 10:30 a.m.: Overnight Water Main Break Isolated, Service Being Restored 
• July 3, 6:01 p.m.: Water Pressure Continues to Increase Across the Region   

Richmond, VA  —  On Monday, July 6, crews began the repair process on the 36” water main in the canal. After utility lines were marked, three bypass pipes were installed within the canal to divert water in the canal around the work area. Work to excavate to the main is still underway with digging reaching depths of 5’ as of 2 p.m.  

It is too early to determine an updated timeline for the repair, which will also be contingent on factors such as weather. Progress updates will be provided each Friday on RVA.gov; the tentative schedule provided remains accurate as of today. 

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. 

We appreciate the patience of all impacted customers throughout the water main break. Should customers experience issues with water pressure in their home, they can call the DPU Call Center at 804-646-4646.

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. 

----------------- 
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.