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.