Jan. 10, City water distribution ends at 6 pm. On Jan. 11, the National Guard will take over water delivery for those in need throughout the remainder of the Boil Water Advisory.
For residents who still need water delivered through Jan. 11, please call 3-1-1 with your address. Saturday hours: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Posted Jan. 9, 2025
Richmond, VA — The City of Richmond continues to make significant progress in restoring full water system capacity across its service area.
As of 5:00 p.m., 19 of 22 filters and five of eight water pumps are in service, with additional support from two temporary pumps. Water plant production capacity is now at 72 million gallons per day. That volume is well above the 45.5 million gallon-average to support typical service needs for this time of year. And the reservoir is above our target goal for service delivery and system function. Across our city water distribution network, all zones have exceeded the key 20 pounds per square foot (psi) threshold necessary for water safety testing to being.
With the entire system fully pressurized, the Department of Public Utilities has initiated the first of two rounds of required water sample tests to ensure that water flowing through the system is safe for consumption. The second batch of samples collection for testing will occur about 16 hours after the first test. Two rounds of test results demonstrating water safety are required in order to life the Boil Water Advisory. Note: At this time, the Boil Water Advisory remains in effect.
“I know this week has been challenging for many Richmonders,” said Mayor Danny Avula. “With our goal of full water restoration in reach, our primary objectives are now focusing on achieving clean water tests so we can lift the water boil advisory, and strategic staff deployment at the water plant throughout the weekend to help maintain service continuity as more winter weather approaches.”
So far this week, the City has achieved the following milestones in the work to restore safe and clean water service to residents:
✅ Drained flooded areas and repaired and replaced damaged and disabled equipment at the water plan (Jan. 6 and 7)
✅ Restored water production to the necessary rate of more than 50 million gallons per day (Jan. 8)
✅ Repressurized water system to the needed threshold of 20 psi (Jan. 9, 11 a.m.)
✅ Started to run the first water sample test (Jan. 9, 3:00 PM)
These are the steps that remain to lift the Boil Water Advisory:
🧪 Pass the first water sample test
🧪 Run the second water sample test
🧪 Pass the second water sample test
The City’s public water distribution sites will continue to operate as the water system is restored to full functionality.
These steps are being taken to fortify water plant operations for this weekend’s inclement weather:
Each Department of Public Utilities employee shift at the water plant will include all trades (i.e. mechanics and electricians, technicians, instrumentation and control technicians, plant operators, and senior management, and internal engineers)
Administrative support staff will work additional weekend hours.
Support services will be onsite, including engineers, wastewater staff, Virginia Department of Health staff, and software and engineering consultants.
Additional equipment has been delivered and installed: a new backup battery to supply the plant’s computer systems in the event of power disruption, as well as additional repair parts for filters.
Supervisory visual inspections of all components of operations will be conducted.
During each shift, there will be check list roll-calls and process reviews across essential plant operation areas and duties.
The plant emergency contact list has undergone a fresh update.
A process for hourly status check-ins is being instituted.
A snow removal readiness plan is being activated.
Now that the Boil Water Advisory has lifted, residents can resume drinking and using water as normal. See below for some guidance on what to do after a Boil Water Advisory lifts.
Posted January 7, 2025
Richmond, VA - Due to expected inclement weather, the Bring One for the Chipper recycling event originally scheduled for this Saturday has been rescheduled to Saturday, January 18. All other details for the event remain the same.
Event Details (City of Richmond residents only, no commercial vendors):
The following items will be collected at the event:
This event is sponsored by the Richmond Department of Public Works, The Clean City Commission, and the Central Virginia Waste Management Authority (CVWMA)
For complete details on this event, go to rva.gov/public-works/clean-city-commission or use this link for the original press relase https://bit.ly/408waxd Email question to AskPublicWorks@rva.gov
We’re Social! For updates on DPW-related projects, activities and events visit us on X (formerly Twittter) @DPW_RichmondVA or on Instagram at RVACleanCityCommission
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The City of Richmond Department of Public Works (DPW) is one of only 195 currently accredited public works agencies in the United States. DPW’s portfolio comprises a wide array of services to include leaf collection; street, sidewalk and alley maintenance; trash collection; recycling; grass cutting; graffiti removal; parking enforcement; urban forestry; street signs; traffic signals and pavement markings and civil engineering. In addition, DPW maintains upkeep on most city buildings; issues permits for working in the city’s right-of-way; manages the RVA Bike Share program and maintains the fleet of city vehicles. DPW’s operating budget comes from the general fund of the City of Richmond. For more information about DPW services, click here or call 3-1-1
Due to the continued impact of severe weather conditions, all City of Richmond offices will be closed on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025.
Residents should visit rva.gov and the City of Richmond’s social media channels for updates on City operations. For weather updates, please monitor reliable sources of information such as the National Weather Service.
Inclement Weather Shelters
To protect and shelter Richmond’s most vulnerable residents, the City’s Inclement Weather Shelter, located at 1900 Chamberlayne Avenue and operated by the Salvation Army, will continue operations based on the weather.
Additionally, two temporary inclement weather overflow shelters can be activated during this inclement weather event and will continue to operate as needed:
Note these two locations will serve in an overflow capacity only. Single adult men and women in need should prioritize sheltering at the Inclement Weather Shelter located at 1900 Chamberlayne Avenue. Meals will be provided at all sites.
City offices and services are expected to return to normal hours on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. Please monitor the City website and local news outlets for any changes.
