Richmond hit with more alleged water violations after 3rd water crisis event in 2025

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has again hit Richmond with a Notice of Alleged Violation after the city's third water-related crisis event this year.

On Monday, June 16, Richmond officials announced that it had received a Notice of Alleged Violation from the VDH's Office of Drinking Water (ODW) in connection with May's boil water advisory. This means the ODW has accused the city of violating at least one of Virginia's Waterworks Regulations, as laid out within its Public Water Supplies Law.

Many Richmond residents were under a boil water advisory for two days after filters at the city's water treatment became clogged, causing a decrease in water pressure. City officials later explained this was because the filters had not been properly cleaned for some time.

This is not the first Notice of Alleged Violation the city has received this year. One was issued in connection with January's widespread water crisis, while another was issued in April after a pump installation failure caused a fluoride spike within Richmond's water system.

‘Faulty components and faulty culture’: VDH says Richmond’s water crisis was decades in the making

Richmond has taken several steps to fix the issues at its water treatment plant. Most recently, on June 12, the city announced that it had entered into an Order of Consent with the VDH in relation to the alleged violations identified in the January notice. At that time, the city noted it had addressed over 150 concerns with its water system.

The city did not attach the notice to its press release, nor did it specify the alleged violation or violations identified by the ODW. 8News is working to obtain a copy of the notice. An update will be provided when possible.