Update on City of Richmond water production

Important Information

Update 2:37 p.m. on 1.9.2024

More than 180,000 liters/47,550 gallons of portable water have been handed out to Richmond resident as this morning.
Additional Community Partner Water Distribution sites today – 1.9.2025

Water bottles will be distributed at all locations as their supplies last.

Time: 2:30 pm to 6:30 pm (or until supplies last)

Meadowbridge Community Market - 3613 Meadowbridge Rd Richmond

Meadowbridge Community Market (will also include a small fill station - please bring containers to fill)

Gilpin Community Garden - 1420 St Peter St. Richmond

Fonticello Food Forest - 2715 Bainbridge St. Richmond,

(next to skate park / @ 27th & Perry)

Circle Thrift - 400 W. Broad St. Richmond

Update 2:13 p.m. on 1.9.2024

As Mayor Avula shared this afternoon, the first water sample tests from all nine zones are currently under way! Stay tuned Richmond!

Como compartió el alcalde Danny Avula esta tarde, ¡las primeras pruebas de muestras de agua de las nueve zonas están en curso! ¡Manténte al tanto Richmond!

The Mayor will have a press conference at 12:00 p.m. 1/9/2025

Continue To Boil Water

Some residents may have water running through their taps, but we need your help to conserve every drop! Even if it’s available, using water wisely ensures there’s enough for everyone as we bring the system back online.

Let’s work together to keep our water resources sustainable. Your efforts make a big difference!

Bottled water distribution sites:

Annie Giles Community Center -- 1400 Oliver Hill Way
Broad Rock Library -- 4820 Old Warwick Road
West End Library -- 5420 Patterson Avenue
Hickory Hill Community Center -- 3000 Belt Boulevard
Bellemeade Community Center -- 1800 Lynhaven Avenue
Midtown Green -- 2401 W Leigh Street
Pine Camp Community Center -- 4901 Old Brook Road
Randolph Community Center -- 1415 Grayland Avenue
Westover Hills Community Center -- 1301 Jahnke Road
East End District Initiative (EDI) -- 701 North 25th Street
Southside Plaza -- 4100 Hull Street Road

Attention all seniors and individuals with mobility challenges!

If you need water delivered to your home, simply call 311 and provide your address. Our team at Richmond Police will ensure you get the water you need!

Please note: We are accepting calls for water delivery until 5pm. If you called after 2:30 pm, your delivery will likely be scheduled for tomorrow due to the high inquiry, but rest assured, we’ll get it to you as quickly as possible."

Update 8:30 am 1/9/2025

As a reminder, the reservoir holds up to 18 feet of water. Overnight, the reservoir filled to 17 feet and we have gotten 8 zones back online. We are asking that residents continue conserving water as we get the last zone up to 20psi.

Once the last zone reaches the psi threshold, system wide testing will begin.

Please remember that the boil water advisory is still in effect.

Water Restoration Current is 10 feet in 9 zones -- Water Restoration Target is 10 feet in 9 zones.

Update 10:00 pm 1/8/2025

As a reminder, the reservoir holds up to 18 feet of water, but as of this afternoon, it’s at 8.89 feet. Of note, the level fluctuates—it rises when water is pumped in and drops as we use it. Our goal is to maintain at least 10 feet consistently.

Right now we are at 12 feet with four zones operational.

As we continue to fill, getting water out to homes and businesses depends on all of us conserving water. Richmond has nine water zones, and each needs to hit 20 psi of pressure before we can test for safe drinking water. Until then, excessive water use will slow our progress. Let’s work together to reach this goal and lift the boil water advisory for everyone. We’ve got this, Richmond!

Update 7:00 pm 1/8/2025

For water to flow smoothly into homes, the system needs enough pressure, which comes from the water level in our reservoir. The reservoir holds up to 18 feet of water, but as of this afternoon, it’s at 6.24 feet. While this is lower than earlier today, the level fluctuates—it rises when water is pumped in and drops as we use it. Our goal is to maintain at least 10 feet consistently.

The good news is water is flowing into the reservoir again! But getting it out to homes and businesses depends on all of us conserving water. Richmond has nine water zones, and each needs to hit 20 psi of pressure before we can test for safe drinking water. Until then, excessive water use will slow our progress. Let’s work together to reach this goal and lift the boil water advisory for everyone. We’ve got this, Richmond!

Water Restoration Current is 8.89 feet in 3 zones vs Water Restoration Target is 10 feet in 9 zones.

Update 6:00 pm 1/8/2025

As we work to refill the reservoir and restore water to the city, your help is crucial in ensuring that everyone has access to the water they need. We ask that you please conserve water in any way you can.

Together, we can stretch our resources and help speed up recovery. Your efforts today make a difference for tomorrow!

Conservation Options:

Limit number and duration of showers.
Continue to use boiled or commercially bottled water for drinking and sanitation.
Don’t wash sidewalks and driveways.
Remove ice and snow with a snow shovel.
Flush toilets only when needed. “If it’s yellow, let it mellow” or use the shower.
Don’t use water to wash or de-ice your car.
Do not use dishwashers or washing machines until further notice.
Do not use pressure washers until further notice.

Shower resources

YMCA

In light of the current water limitations, area YMCAs are opening their doors to anyone who would like a shower and friendly place to connect with others. Bring your photo ID, towel, and toiletries to one of the YMCA branches listed below and get refreshed.

Manchester Family YMCA - 7540 Hull Street Road
Tuckahoe Family YMCA - 9211 Patterson Avenue
Patrick Henry Family YMCA - 217 Ashcake Road, Ashland
John Rolfe Family YMCA - 2244 John Rolfe Parkway
Shady Grove Family YMCA - 11255 Nuckols Road, Glen Allen
Chester Family YMCA - 3011 West Hundred Road

Please note, there might be a brief wait for shower access depending upon demand. Information on hours of operations are available on branch websites (www.ymcarichmond.org/locations) or via each branch’s Facebook page.

Places of worship

River Road Church: 8000 River Rd.
(corner of River and Ridge)

Showers available Thursday and Friday from 10 am - 3 pm
Bring your own towel and toiletries
Park in the parking lot behind the church off Ridge Rd. and they will greet you there
Phone: 804.288.1131

Third Church
(600 Forest Avenue)

Open for warm showers and water refills
Wednesday January 8th (3-7PM)
Thursday January 9th (9AM-7PM)
Friday January 10th (9AM-12PM)
Access the building through the Fellowship Hall entrance, where they will be greeted by a member of the Discipleship Staff. Please be aware that everyone will need to bring their own toiletries, towel, and hairdryer.

Update 5:00 pm 1/8/2025

Deliveries of New Orders currently paused. Totally orders received 250, current orders delivered 69, and 181 outstanding to be delivered. Deliveries begin again at 10:30 am 1/9/2025.

Update 4:00 pm 1/8/2025

Mayor Danny Aulva provides his top five takeaways from this morning's press confernece that include conservation tips, reminder of the boil water advisory, and the testing schedule that will need to be followed to remove the advisory. See Video

Update 3:20 pm 1/8/2025

For water to flow smoothly into homes, the system needs enough pressure, which comes from the water level in our reservoir. The reservoir holds up to 18 feet of water, but as of this afternoon, it’s at 6.24 feet. While this is lower than earlier today, the level fluctuates—it rises when water is pumped in and drops as we use it. Our goal is to maintain at least 10 feet consistently.

Update 2:30 pm 1/8/2025

Press Conference: Mayor Avula and other city officials come together to discuss the latest updates in reference to the water restoration efforts. See Video

DCAO for Human Service video message -- We’re continuing water distribution today. Hear directly from DCAO for Human Services Traci Deshazor about the current status. See Video

Update 5:30 am 1/8/2025

Water Restoration Progress

Update from the Richmond Water Treatment Plant (as of 5:30 a.m., Jan. 8, 2025):
Two Bypass Pumps are being installed

These pumps will boost pressure to “Plant 2” – which will allow more filters and pumps to come online. With these filters and pumps in operation, water pressure will continue to build in the system.
When water returns to the taps, the boil water advisory is in place – and conservation is key! Use as little water as possible to allow restoration to the entire service area.

Current Water Restoration Status 12:3 (42 Million Gallons Per Day) -- Water Restoration Status 12:4 (50 Million Gallons Per Day)

Update 4:30 am 1/8/2025

Water Restoration Progress

Update from the Richmond Water Treatment Plant (as of 4:30 a.m., Jan. 8, 2025):
- 12 filters and 3 pumps are operational
- 42 million gallons of water are flowing, steadily building system pressure

These gains are critical steps toward our goal of 12 filters and 4 pumps running. This level of service will restore full capacity at 50 million gallons per day and continue to build water pressure into the system.
When water returns to the taps, the boil water advisory is in place – and conservation is key! Use as little water as possible to allow restoration to the entire service area.

Current Water Restoration Status 6:1 (9 Million Gallons Per Day) -- Water Restoration Status 12:4 (50 Million Gallons Per Day)

Update 9:00 pm 1/7/2025

Water Restoration Progress

Update from the Richmond Water Treatment Plant (as of 9:00 p.m., Jan. 7, 2025):

We’re making steady progress together!
- 6 filters and 1 pump are operational
- 9 million gallons of water are flowing into Richmond homes, steadily building system pressure

These gains are critical steps toward our goal of 12 filters and 4 pumps running, which will restore full capacity at 50 million gallons.

Thank you for your patience, resilience, and understanding as we navigate this together. Your continued support means everything as we work tirelessly for our city.

Update 6:20 pm 1/7/2025

Following positive progress earlier in the day that saw operational computer systems come back online and water flow and pumping activity resume, an event that occurred Tuesday afternoon at the City of Richmond’s water treatment plan has slowed progress in fully restoring water service.

During work on the water restoration process this afternoon, an electric panel at the facility failed. On-site engineers moved quickly to address and resolve the issue. Initially, it was thought that this malfunction would not significantly impact the restoration process. However, further analysis and investigation in consultation with regional and statewide experts revealed that the event would extend the restoration process timeline.

“While we are disappointed to learn that the Tuesday afternoon panel failure has slowed our progress, service teams remain on duty round-the-clock to re-pressurize the water system and restore water distribution throughout the City,” said Richmond Mayor Danny Avula. “We are pulling in additional resources and experts to help solve the problem as we work towards returning water service to full functionality.”

Staff from the Department of Public Utilities, along with other resource partners, continue efforts to restore Richmond water services to full operational capacity. While this remains a fluid situation involving many variables, significant progress has already been made to get the treatment system operation back up and running and every effort is being made to regain full functionality. Mayor Danny Avula has been a steady presence at the water plant to monitor restoration activities and has called in local and national experts to assist in getting the plant back into service.

“Because clean and available drinking water is paramount to public health and a thriving life, we are working hard to make sure Richmond has access to safe and clean drinking water,” added Mayor Avula.

La Ciudad de Richmond ofrece una actualización acerca de sus esfuerzos para restablecer el servicio de acueducto

Luego de observar progresos a comienzos del día martes, en los que se observó que volvieron a funcionar los equipos de cómputo y se restableció el flujo de agua y el bombeo, ocurrió un incidente en la tarde del martes en la planta de tratamiento de aguas de la Ciudad de Richmond, luego del cual se ha disminuido el avance en el restablecimiento del servicio de acueducto.

Esta tarde, durante el proceso de restablecimiento, un panel eléctrico falló en las instalaciones de la plantade tratamiento. Los ingenieros del lugar reaccionaron rápidamente para afrontar y resolver el problema; inicialmente, se pensó que esta falla no afectaría significativamente el proceso. Sin embargo, análisis e investigaciones posteriores, hechas en colaboración con expertos regionales y estatales, revelaron que ese incidente demoraría el proceso de restauración del servicio.

Dijo el alcalde de Richmond, Danny Avula: “Aunque nos decepciona saber que la falla del panel de este martes por la tarde ha frenado nuestro progreso, los equipos de servicio de la ciudad siguen trabajando en turnos durante todo el día y la noche para restablecer la presión del sistema de acueducto y restaurar la distribución del líquido en toda la ciudad”, y agregó: “Estamos usando expertos y recursos adicionales para ayudar a resolver el problema mientras trabajamos para retornar el servicio de acueducto a la normalidad”.

El personal del Departamento de Servicios Públicos, junto a nuestros aliados, continúa con sus esfuerzos para restablecer el suministro de agua de Richmond a plena capacidad operativa. Aunque esta situación sigue siendo difícil de predecir debido a las muchas variables que involucra, se ha logrado un avance significativo a la hora de volver a poner en funcionamiento la planta de tratamiento y estamos haciendo todos los esfuerzos posibles para volver a obtener el pleno funcionamiento. El alcalde Danny Avula ha sido una presencia constante en la planta de tratamiento, con el fin de supervisar las actividades de restablecimiento y ha pedido a expertos locales y nacionales que nos ayuden a poner la planta en pleno funcionamiento.

Señaló el alcalde Avula: “Ya que tener disponible agua limpia es vital para la salud pública y una vida plena, estamos trabajando incansablemente para asegurarnos de que Richmond tenga acceso a agua limpia y pura para beber”

Update 4:00 pm 1/7/2025

While the City has restored water production at its water treatment facility, it continues to distribute bottled water at the 10 public water distribution sites. Since this morning’s water distribution, additional water has been delivered to each of the 10 public water distribution sites. Demand for bottled water is high, and residents are urged to conserve water if possible.

Tomorrow, January 8, public water distributions sites will open and operate from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Update 12:30 pm 1/7/2025

Richmond restores water production

As of 12:00 p.m., the City of Richmond has restored water production. However, water pressure will take at least several hours to build up before it can be distributed through the network. Residents are asked to continue conserving water when possible. The Boil Water Advisory will remain in effect for residents who have water access until all required testing is complete and approved in accordance with drinking water quality standards. Until the Advisory is lifted, all residents should continue to boil water before consuming it.

“There have been a lot of dedicated employees and officials working around the clock to get us to this point. I’m grateful for that as well as the huge support from our regional and state partners,” said Department of Public Utilities Senior Director April Bingham.

“I am incredibly proud of our City staff,” added Mayor Danny Avula. “We called in every department to bring all of our resources to the challenge, and I am grateful for the long hours of coordination, planning, and hard work to get our City’s water system back online and to care for our residents during the crisis. Thank you so much, Richmond, for your continued patience.”

“We recognize this outage has touched everyday Richmonders, families, and the business community. We’re working hard to resume normal services, and I appreciate their patience and the support,” said Interim Chief Administrative Officer Sabrina Joy-Hogg. “The partnership with our regional partners has been immensely instrumental in ensuring the City received needed resources to restore water production."

The City will communicate new information as it becomes available through rva.gov and its social media pages. As a reminder, residents experiencing emergencies should call 9-1-1 and can call RVA311 (3-1-1 or 804-646-7000) to submit a service request.

Posted January 7, 11.31 a.m.

Over 37,000 liters of water have been delivered to public water distributions sites and other sites in high priority areas — including homeless services providers, public housing, and residences that house older adults. All 10 public water distribution sites have had water delivered. These supplies are limited, and residents are asked to continue conserve water if possible.

Posted January 7, 10:40 a.m.

City staff, the Virginia Department of Health, and the Richmond’s Sheriff’s office are in the process of transporting thousands of gallons of water to the ten public water distribution sites. Due to the massive size of the task, the inclement weather’s impacts on the City’s roads, and concern for staff safety, this effort is taking longer than expected. Residents are asked to remain patient while deliveries are completed. Staff will be on site throughout the day to assist residents.

Posted January 7, 9:20 a.m.

City of Richmond continues work to restore water production

As of 9:00 a.m., the City of Richmond continues work to restore water production. The water plant systems are stabilizing and are likely to progress to water production early afternoon. Residents are urged to continue conserving water when possible. The Boil Water Advisory will remain in effect for residents with water. Until the Advisory is lifted, all residents should continue to boil water before consuming it.

The City of Richmond's Human Services portfolio has partnered with the Richmond Sheriff’s Office and the American Red Cross to continue distributing bottled water in high priority areas — including homeless services providers, public housing, and residences that house older adults. Targeted outreach and distribution to areas of high need and vulnerable populations will continue.

Bottled water distribution sites across the city will operate from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the following locations:

Broad Rock Library	4820 Old Warwick Road
West End Library	5420 Patterson Avenue
Hickory Hill Community Center	3000 Belt Boulevard
Bellemeade Community Center	1800 Lynhaven Avenue
Midtown Green	2401 W Leigh Street
Pine Camp Community Center	4901 Old Brook Road
Randolph Community Center	1415 Grayland Avenue
Westover Hills Community Center	1301 Jahnke Road
East End District Initiative (EDI)	701 North 25th Street
Southside Plaza	4100 Hull Street Road

“We have navigated crises before, and I know we will get through this together,” said Mayor Danny Avula. “Today, I’m asking residents to be patient and continue conserving water so our teams can keep working to serve our neighbors experiencing the greatest need.”

La Ciudad de Richmond sigue trabajando para restaurar el servicio de acueducto

Según la última actualización de las 9:00 a.m., la Ciudad de Richmond continúa trabajando para restaurar el servicio de acueducto. Los sistemas de las plantas de tratamiento de aguas se están estabilizando y es probable que empiecen a funcionar a comienzos de la tarde de hoy. Los richmondeses deben continuar ahorrando agua cuando les sea posible. La Alerta para hervir el agua sigue en efecto para aquellos habitantes que ya tienen servicio en sus casas. Hasta que se cancele esta alerta, toda la población debería seguir hirviendo el agua antes de utilizarla.

Las agencias de servicios humanos de la Ciudad de Richmond se han aliado con la Oficina del Alguacil de Richmond y la Cruz Roja Estadounidense para seguir distribuyendo agua embotellada en zonas prioritarias, incluyendo proveedores de servicios para personas sin hogar, residentes de las viviendas públicas y viviendas en las que se alojan adultos mayores. Seguiremos haciendo este esfuerzo de distribución y alcance específico en zonas de gran necesidad y poblaciones vulnerables.

Los puntos de distribución de agua embotellada funcionarán de 9:30 a.m. a 11:30 a.m. y de 3 p.m. a 5 p.m. en las siguientes ubicaciones a lo largo y ancho de la ciudad:

Biblioteca de Broad Rock	4820 Old Warwick Road
Biblioteca de West End	5420 Patterson Avenue
Centro Comunitario Hickory Hill	3000 Belt Boulevard
Centro Comunitario Bellemeade	1800 Lynhaven Avenue
Midtown Green	2401 W Leigh Street
Centro Comunitario Pine Camp	4901 Old Brook Road
Centro Comunitario Randolph	1415 Grayland Avenue
Centro Comunitario Westover Hills	1301 Jahnke Road
Iniciativa del Distrito Oriental (EDI)	701 North 25th Street
Centro de Servicios del Sur (Southside Plaza)	4100 Hull Street Road

Dijo el alcalde Danny Avula: “Hemos sobrevivido otras crisis anteriormente, y sé que unidos enfrentaremos esta”. Añadió: “Hoy les pido a los richmondeses que sigan ahorrando agua, para que nuestro equipo pueda seguir trabajando para servirle a aquellos que sufren las necesidades más grandes”.

La administración de la ciudad seguirá proveyendo nueva información a medida que esté disponible, por medio de su página en Internet rva.gov y sus publicaciones en redes sociales. Vale la pena recordar que aquellas personas que están sufriendo emergencias deben llamar al 911 y además pueden llamar a la línea RVA311 (al 311 o al 804-646-7000) para hacer una solicitud de servicio.

Posted January 7, 2025; 5:40 a.m.

Richmond, VA — As of 5:30 a.m., City of Richmond crews continue to work to restore water production.

Department of Public Utilities staff, regional partners, and water systems experts are all working around the clock to assess damaged equipment, diagnose issues, and restore water production. The City’s Emergency Operations Center is up and running, and staff from across City departments continue to support the restoration effort.

“I’ve spent the last five hours at the water plant with our teams as they make steady progress on restoring water services to our City. I’m hopeful that we’ll have more to share soon, and I appreciate your continued patience.” said Mayor Danny Avula.

The City of Richmond's Human Services partnered with the Richmond Sherrif’s Office and the American Red Cross to coordinate the distribution of bottled water on Monday to vulnerable populations and has been in close communication with providers serving the City's most vulnerable communities. Water was distributed in high priority areas including homeless services providers, public housing, and residences that house older adults. Targeted outreach and distribution to areas of high need and vulnerable populations will continue.

Mayor Danny Avula will hold a press conference at 8:00 a.m. to provide further updates. 

Posted January 7, 2025; 12:05 a.m.

See below for a statement from Mayor Danny Avula on today's issues at the water plant and a situational update.

“Good evening, Richmond. I want you to know that the dedicated staff at the Department of Public Utilities is working tirelessly to restore operations at the City’s water plant, which were interrupted earlier Monday due to a power outage caused by the winter weather,” said Mayor Danny Avula. “I am spending tonight at the water plant to support City teams and our partners as they work round-the-clock to get water operations back up and running.”

###

In the morning hours of Monday, Jan. 6, a winter weather-related power outage impacted operations at the City of Richmond’s water plant along the James River.

Under normal circumstances, the drinking water treatment process begins by withdrawing water from the James River. The water is then pumped into the water plant, where it goes through several stages of refinement and a multi-layered filtration process. This includes a cleansing process to remove bacteria, viruses, and parasites. After the final step, safe and clean water travels to homes and businesses.

Monday’s power disruption caused an issue with the water plant’s uninterrupted power supply (UPS) and allowed water to flood an intermediate part of the treatment process called the filter gallery. The filter gallery contains critical water infrastructure, like pumps, filters, and electrical systems. Water production halted because the gallery flooded.

Facility staff immediately began assessing and addressing the flooding and equipment damage. Available capacity in the City’s reservoir was such that safe and clean water continued to flow to Richmond homes and businesses until the Water Boil Advisory was issued around 4:30 p.m. Monday afternoon.

Later in the day on Monday, some residents and businesses experienced a loss of water service or varying degrees of loss in water pressure. Water used by residents experiencing low pressure in their homes and business before the City issued the Boil Water Advisory was safe and clean.

The Boil Water Advisory issued by the City applies to all residents served by the City of Richmond’s water system. In announcing the advisory, Richmond Mayor Danny Avula urged all impacted residents to also take conservation steps.

As of 11:00 p.m. on Monday, water plant personnel continued to work on bringing the system back online. Until water production resumes, City residents and businesses may continue to deal with a loss of water service or varying degrees of loss in water pressure.

Once water function is fully restored, residents will be able to resume non-drinking water uses such as bathing or flushing the toilet. The City of Richmond will also continue to work with the Virginia Department of Health. The boil water advisory will remain in effect until all required testing is complete and approved in accordance with drinking water quality standards. At that point, the advisory will be lifted. Until the advisory is lifted, all residents should continue to boil water before consuming it.

The boil water advisory was issued with a focus on safeguarding public health. Boil water advisories, while not common, are a standard response whenever water pressure is impacted at treatment facilities. The last time the City issued a boil water advisory was in 2003 during Hurricane Isabel.

Mayor Danny Avula, City agency leaders, and regional partners across the public safety and operational continuum continue working to resolve this situation.

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