Richmond Issues Boil Water Advisory After Storm Causes Pump Failure

RICHMOND, Va. — Richmond officials issued a citywide boil water advisory Monday after a winter storm caused a power outage and subsequent pump failure at a water treatment facility. The outage occurred earlier in the morning, leading to flooding and a disruption in water pressure for residents.

According to city officials, the pump failure was triggered by a power outage at the facility. Dominion Energy, the local utility provider, restored power by 9:39 a.m., but the damage had already been done. A backup generator activated immediately, but the pump failure caused significant flooding at the site. Mayor Danny Avula confirmed during a press conference that the flooding is now under control.

The city is currently relying on a land reservoir in the 5th council district to maintain water supply, but officials warned that the reserve is rapidly depleting. While they could not specify how long the reservoir will last, they assured residents that emergency plans are in place for fire-related incidents.

Residents across Richmond have reported varying levels of low or no water pressure. The boil water advisory, issued as a precaution, will remain in effect for at least 24 to 48 hours while water quality testing is conducted. Crews are working to restore water pressure by Monday evening, but the advisory will not be lifted until testing confirms the water is safe for consumption.

Chesterfield, Henrico, and Hanover counties, which are not part of Richmond’s water system, have shifted their water supply to alternative sources and are unaffected by the advisory. Dominion Energy emphasized its commitment to restoring power to critical infrastructure during storms, stating, “We promptly responded to the reported outage at the facility and fully restored power at 9:39 a.m. The facility has had uninterrupted power since that time.”

City officials have not yet provided a timeline for repairing the damaged pump. Residents are advised to boil water for at least one minute before using it for drinking, cooking, or brushing teeth until further notice.