Richmond’s Boil Water Advisory Continues as City Faces Ongoing Water Treatment Issues

Richmond’s water issues persist as the city enters its third day under a boil water advisory. Disruptions at the water treatment plant caused the issue, but three of the plant’s four pumps are now operational. Officials expect the advisory to remain in effect until at least Friday. Water service is gradually returning in Henrico and Hanover counties, but residents are urged to boil tap water for three minutes before use. The city says the advisory will likely not be lifted by Friday, but some improvements are being made.

“My message is we are doing everything that we can, we have great partnership again from the region of the state, and while I think we are coming to the end of this, we are still going to be in the recovery phase while we do not have drinking water available. And so I need folks to band together and think of how we support each other,” said Dr. Avula.

Mayor Danny Avula also cautioned that once water returns to residents, it will likely be at partial pressure and may appear rusty, cloudy, and dirty. The boil water advisory won’t be lifted until full pressure is restored. After that, two tests taken 16 hours apart must be completed with negative results.

That means the advisory will likely not be lifted until late Friday or early Saturday. Efforts to fully resolve the crisis are ongoing, with authorities urging residents to continue boiling water for safety.