First water sample taken, reservoir level rises overnight after boil water advisory issued for many Richmond neighborhoods

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The water level at Richmond's reservoir has risen overnight, and the first water sample has been taken following a boil water advisory issued for many city neighborhoods on Tuesday.

According to a press release shared by city officials just after 8 a.m. on Wednesday, May 28, the water level in the reservoir had risen to nine feet overnight.

Mornings are typically a time of day when water usage is higher, but the city said its Department of Public Utilities (DPU) staff expect the current rate of water production to exceed demand.

In addition, water pressure has stayed above 20 psi since Tuesday evening, May 27, in neighborhoods that remain under a boil water advisory.

Two samples clear of harmful bacteria are required to lift the boil water advisory. The first was reportedly taken at around 7 p.m. on Tuesday, and the second will be taken by the DPU at around 1 p.m. on Wednesday.

City officials added that most of the filters at the water treatment plant -- which previously clogged twice and caused the initial issue -- have been cleaned through backwashing.

Until the boil water advisory is lifted, the city said multiple agencies led by the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services (DNCS) have begun a plan to deliver bottled water through partner organizations and support agencies to the following communities:

• Healthcare facilities
• Senior living facilities
• Manufactured home communities
• Public housing neighborhoods
• Shelters
• Richmond Public Schools

The city said that at this time, it will not offer bottled water delivery or pick-up to the general public.

DNCS reportedly began coordinating bottled water delivery to those six communities in the evening on Tuesday. Bottled water will continue to be distributed to partner organizations through 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

"The DNCS team will monitor the need and demand for bottled water in the coming days and will adjust capacity as needed," the city said.