Richmond takes major step toward lead-free water with 73,000 notification letters

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The City of Richmond is taking a major step toward lead-free water outreach by mailing more than 73,000 service line notification letters to residents.

According to a Dec. 30 release from the city, the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) mailed the hundreds of thousands of letters as part of its expanded, data-driven effort to identify and eliminate lead service lines citywide.

“Protecting public health is our top priority, and this outreach reflects both our responsibility and our commitment to keeping our customers informed,” said Scott Morris, DPU director. “Reaching a lead-free Richmond requires strong data, modern tools and [an] active partnership with our residents. These letters are a critical step in informing customers of the steps their utility has been taking to reduce the occurrences of lead in their water and how they can help in that shared effort.”

The mailing is one of the largest of its kind in DPU's history and is required under federal regulations. A release from the city said it reflects the accelerated approach to meeting new service line inventory standards -- all in support of achieving a lead-free Richmond by 2037.

This year's outreach introduces an enhanced Interactive Service Line Inventory Map, a new tool for residents designed by a predictive computer model approved by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), per a release.

The model analyses home age, construction records and neighborhood plumbing trends, to identify service lines that may be lead.

This comes nearly a year after over 9,000 lead piping materials were replaced in Richmond since the early 1990s in February 2025, according to the DPU.

According to the city, the drinking water meets or exceeds all federal and state safety standards for lead by treating finished water or minimizing the potential for lead to "leach into water from service lines or home plumbing and the service line replacement program," officials said.

A portion of each water service line is owned by the city and is deemed public, and a portion is owned by the property owner, deemed private.

Comprehensive testing data is also published annually in the city’s Consumer Confidence Report.

To learn more, visit the city's website or call 804-646-8600.