City News

Public Utilities

Ask Richmond DPU: Why does my tap water smell like rotten eggs?

Some customers occasionally notice an unpleasant “rotten egg” odor coming from their tap water. While the smell can be concerning, the water remains safe to use. The odor can have several different causes, both inside and outside the home’s plumbing system. To help customers understand this issue and learn about possible solutions, we are sharing the American Water Works Association’s article “Common Customer Complaint: ‘My Hot Water Stinks’” by David J. Hack, originally published in Opflow (June 2000).

Common Customer Complaint: My Hot Water Stinks

Forest Hill Avenue Sanitary Sewer Lateral Replacement Work

The City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities (DPU) is replacing deteriorated sewer service laterals along Forest Hill Avenue between Hathaway Road and Joe Brooks Boulevard. This utility work is a continuation of the sewer replacement project that was completed in the eastbound lanes of Forest Hill Avenue in 2024. The work zone will extend from Windsorview Drive to Shelia Lane along Forest Hill Avenue. 

Forest Hill Avenue Sanitary Sewer Lateral Replacement Work Project Newsletter- Volume 1

City of Richmond Public Meeting Summary on Upcoming Utility Work in Forest Hill

Richmond, Va-The City of Richmond held a virtual public meeting on August 19 at 6:00 p.m. to provide additional details and answer questions regarding upcoming utility projects in the Forest Hill Avenue area. These projects are continual work to replace failing infrastructure and improve system reliability, including aging water lines and deteriorated sewer laterals. 

 

Water line replacement

Location: Hathaway Road from Riverside Drive/Longview Drive to the 2900 block of Hathaway Road

Anticipated start date: August 25, with a duration of six months

Longview Drive Water Main Replacement Project Newsletter 

 

Sewer lateral replacement 

Location: 6900-7000 blocks of Forest Hill Avenue westbound lanes

Anticipated start date: September 2, with a duration of two months

Forest Hill Sanitary Sewer Replacement Project Newsletter

During the meeting, residents and business owners had the opportunity to hear from DPU project managers to learn more about the project scopes and review project plans and traffic impacts. 

 

Virtual Meeting Materials - August 19, 2025

Public Meeting presentation

Public Meeting recording

City of Richmond to Host August 19 Public Meeting on Upcoming Utility Work in Forest Hill

Richmond, Va –The City of Richmond is hosting a virtual public meeting on August 19 at 6:00 p.m. to provide additional details and answer questions regarding upcoming utility projects in the Forest Hill Avenue area. These projects are continual work to replace failing infrastructure and improve system reliability, including aging water lines and deteriorated sewer laterals. 

Water line replacement
Location:  Hathaway Road from Riverside Drive/Longview Drive to the 2900 block of Hathaway Road
Anticipated start date: August 25, with a duration of six months

Sewer lateral replacement
Location: 6900 – 7000 blocks of Forest Hill Avenue westbound lanes
Anticipated start date: September 2, with a duration of two months

During the meeting, residents and business owners will have the opportunity to hear from DPU project managers to learn more about the project scopes and review project plans and traffic impacts. This meeting is open to all members of the public and affected property owners are strongly encouraged to attend. 

Meeting Details
Date: August 19 
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Virtual

Meeting Link | Meeting ID: 251 549 138 971 5 | Passcode: kX6jX6dE 

+1 804-316-9457,,565779580# | Phone conference ID: 565 779 580#

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