8News asked viewers for their remaining questions about the water crisis, here are the answers

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- 8News asked viewers to send their remaining questions about the Richmond water crisis that left the city and surrounding areas without safe water for six days in January 2025. Here's what we know.

QUESTION 1: "What is the new preventive maintenance schedule?”

Uninterruptible power supply (UPS) batteries are now checked every six months. Previously, there was no schedule, and preventative maintenance was done based on the calendar year or work orders submitted by staff. 

93% of the Virginia Department of Health’s recommendations for improving the plant, including the preventative maintenance schedule, are now complete. 

QUESTION 2: “I was not aware I could report water pressure issues not returning from water crisis in 2025. I live in Henrico Co and water pressure in my bathroom is still low both sink and shower faucet." 

8News interviewed a Henrico resident in the Varina district just like this person who said her water pressure also hasn’t been as strong. 

In an interview with Henrico’s director of Public Utilities Bentley Chan, we asked what residents can do if this is happening to them. 

“If you have an issue, if you have any issue, whatsoever with your utilities- water, sewer or refuse- please, please, please give us a call because if we don’t know it, we can’t investigate it, we can’t help address it," he said. "And so, call us at 804-727-8700. That’s our operations division and we’ll have staff come right out to address it...Happy to come to your neighborhood, come to your home and speak about everything that we’re doing because that’s why we’re here as public servants.”  

QUESTION 3: “What has been done to make sure what happened does not happen again???? We are still holding onto water for the fear of needing it.” 

Nothing is guaranteed, but Richmond mayor Danny Avula touts staffing changes like bringing in Public Utilities director Scott Morris, following recommendations from the Department of Health and around seven million dollars in immediate infrastructure upgrades. 

“You guys hear me say, ‘Look for it, find it, fix it,’ a lot," Mayor Avula said. "And I really do think Dr. Morris and the team have brough that mentality to the work of addressing the water treatment plant and really all of our infrastructure.” 

If you have more, send us an email at news@wric.com.