Richmond Water Crisis: Mayor Updates on Restoration Efforts

RICHMOND, Va. — The City of Richmond may not have drinkable water until Friday, Mayor Danny Avula announced Wednesday morning, as the city continues to grapple with a water crisis that has left thousands without running water since Monday. The crisis began after a winter storm knocked out power to the city’s water treatment plant, causing critical system failures.

In a Wednesday update, Avula shared that progress is being made, with two of eight pumps now operational and five others ready to come online. “We have over 45 million gallons per day (MGD) of water pumping into distribution,” Avula said. “This is a significant improvement from last night, when we were only at nine million gallons per day.”

Despite the progress, Avula urged residents to conserve water as the reservoir remains at seven feet, well below the desired 10-foot mark. “We need to make wise and thoughtful decisions until our reservoir is fully restored,” he emphasized. Partial water pressure has returned to some areas, but full restoration remains uncertain.

The crisis began early Monday when a winter storm caused a power outage at the water treatment plant. Backup systems, including generators and battery backups, failed, leading to flooding in the plant’s basement and damage to critical IT systems. This failure delayed repairs and left residents without water for days.

In response, the city and the American Red Cross have distributed bottled water to vulnerable populations, including homeless shelters, public housing, and senior living facilities. Distribution sites were set up across the city, with long lines forming as residents sought essential supplies.

Residents unable to leave their homes can call 804-646-7000 to request water delivery. A boil water advisory remains in effect, and the city is working with the Virginia Department of Health to conduct safety tests before lifting the advisory.

This marks the first boil water advisory in Richmond since Hurricane Isabel in 2003. Officials are urging residents to follow safety guidelines, including boiling water for drinking and cooking, until further notice.