Henrico has temporarily disconnected from the city of Richmond’s water distribution system and continues to monitor the county’s system after clogged filters overnight caused the city to suspend operations at its water treatment plant.
While Richmond has issued a boil water advisory for some of its customers, Henrico is not under a boil water advisory at this time. Henrico’s water remains safe for consumption and use. As of 7:30 a.m., the county’s Department of Public Utilities had closed valves at connections to the city’s system, which serves portions of central and eastern Henrico. Henrico’s water tanks, which had been kept at capacity, are supplying customers who typically are served by the city. Water pressure remains normal countywide. Public Utilities also continues to test water samples throughout the system. In addition, Henrico is working closely with Hanover County, which also has been impacted.
Henrico officials became aware of the issues at Richmond’s water treatment plant at approximately 12:27 a.m. Tuesday, when the city’s plant superintendent reported to Henrico Public Utilities that a majority of the city’s filters had been clogged by excessive sediment in the James River. At the city’s request, Henrico Public Utilities reduced the amount of water that it was drawing from the city’s system. Henrico has staff onsite at the city’s water treatment plant and will provide resources as needed to navigate the situation.
As this is an ongoing situation, Henrico will provide updates at 3:30 and 5:30 p.m.