Mayor Avula highlights improvements to Richmond’s water system one year after water crisis

Jan 5, 2026 - 18:25

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Mayor Avula highlights improvements to Richmond’s water system one year after water crisis

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Just one day before the first anniversary of the Richmond area crisis, Mayor Danny Avula and the city of Richmond have highlighted improvements to the city's water system.

Richmond area water crisis

The first winter storm of 2025 hit Virginia on Jan. 5 and caused a power outage at Richmond’s city reservoir system, resulting in a malfunction on Jan. 6.

That malfunction had a ripple effect across the area, impacting residents throughout the city of Richmond and the counties of Henrico, Hanover and Goochland, leaving them with little to no water.

The immediate impact of the crisis lasted six days, and all boil water advisories were lifted. In the aftermath, questions were raised as to how this could have happened, with the city and related agencies launching investigations.

Additionally, a 2022 inspection by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) included a variety of troubling findings across the city’s water system.

Later, during the month of the water crisis, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) said in a notice of alleged violation that Richmond "demonstrated that it does not have sufficient, proven capabilities to support its customers, businesses and healthcare facilities," and added that "the water crisis should never have happened and was completely avoidable."

One year later

In a press release shared on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, just one day before the first anniversary of the Richmond area water crisis, a spokesperson for the city of Richmond shared updates regarding Department of Public Utilities (DPU) leadership adjustments, new and repaired equipment, as well as operational changes and regional partnerships.

Over the past year, the spokesperson said the city had upgraded water infrastructure, met all requirements to come back into compliance, and "rebuilt" leadership and operations across the DPU.

"One year ago, we faced a challenge that tested our community," Avula said in the press release. "Today, I can confidently say that Richmond is stronger than ever. We’ve invested in people, processes, and technology to ensure safe, reliable water for every resident and our regional customers. Last year was incredibly difficult, but it is firmly in the rearview mirror."

Leadership changes

The spokesperson highlighted the hire of Scott Morris, a professional engineer, as DPU director by Avula in mid-January of 2025, which came after April Bingham resigned from the position.

"We’ve taken every lesson from last year and turned it into action," Morris said in the release. "Our systems are upgraded, our leadership is stronger, and our focus is now on prevention, not just reacting to a crisis. Our commitment is delivering excellence. I’m proud of the team for the work it took to get us here, and the future of DPU."

(Photo: City of Richmond)

According to the spokesperson, the DPU leadership team features new deputy directors who oversee water operation, compliance, engineering services, administration and customer service, supported by senior staff at the water treatment plant.

Additional operators were also added to every shift at the plant, the release said.

Infrastructure improvements

Infrastructure improvements made since the crisis have reportedly modernized core electrical and pumping systems, added redundancy and strengthened containment to make the water treatment plant more resilient.

Specific infrastructure upgrades highlighted in the release were the following:

Upgrades to SCADA, a computer system, and filter uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems to increase runtime capacity
Replacement and repair of filter effluent valves, which control the rate of water flowing through filters
Ongoing integration of backup generators
Repair of leaks and construction of additional secondary containment
Redesign of overflow pumping systems
Replacement or repair of finished water pumps

According to the city, the long-term switchgear project was completed in November of 2025, which did not exist during the January water outage. The spokesperson said the Automatic Transfer Switch ensures that the water treatment plant always has power, even if there is a power outage or if a backup generator loses power.

The release said 93% of all internal and external recommendations (from the EPA, VDH, HNTB and SEH) were completed, with remaining tasks tied to planned capital projects.

All consent order requirements were met, the city said, and the latest quarterly update was submitted on Oct. 10, 2025.

The spokesperson said the city continues to comply with the EPA's required Consumer Confidence Report, which noted full compliance with all federal and state Safe Drinking Water Act Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for the reporting period.

Regional coordination

The city also highlighted coordination between state and regional partners during meetings on the following dates throughout 2025:

May 30: Initial Capital Improvement Program (CIP) coordination meeting with regional partners
June 30: Joint convening of Richmond and Henrico bodies
Aug. 18: Follow-up regional CIP meeting
Aug. 25: Regional emergency preparedness exercise
Sept. 30: Coordinated field testing along the 36” Hermitage Road water transmission main with Richmond, Hanover, and Henrico

"This year of progress reflects the City’s commitment to getting the fundamentals right and building a Thriving Richmond for today and the future," the city said in the release. "One year later, Richmond’s water system is stronger, safer, and ready.