RICHMOND, Va. — A boil water advisory for Richmond residents was lifted Saturday, nearly a week after a power outage left the city without water on Monday. The boil water advisory for Hanover, Henrico and Goochland counties have also been lifted. With this news, the Senate clerk sent out a message advising the schedule for the reopening of the General Assembly building.
For context, Richmond Mayor Danny Avula announced that two rounds of water testing, conducted 16 hours apart, confirmed the water supply is not contaminated with bacteria. The advisory was put in place earlier this week after a significant power failure disrupted water treatment processes, leaving residents without safe tap water, or any water at all.
The power outage, which occurred Monday morning, triggered a series of issues at the city’s main water treatment facility. Employees worked throughout the week to restore services, while residents were advised to boil water for consumption.
By Saturday, tests showed that water levels were safe and met all required health standards, clearing the way for the advisory to be lifted.
“After an incredible amount of work by so many dedicated public servants — as well as regional, state, and federal partners — we have received the news we’ve been waiting for: With two rounds of clean test results, we have verified that our water is clean and safe for people to drink,” Avula said in a statement. “Accordingly, I am pleased to announce the end of the boil water advisory. I also want to sincerely thank Richmonders for their patience and understanding throughout this challenging time.”
This is a good sign for state legislators, who are expecting to begin their work Monday morning for the 2025 General Assembly session.
They convened briefly on Wednesday, then recessed until Monday due to the lack of potable water in the city.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin is scheduled to deliver his State of the Commonwealth address Monday at 10 a.m.
The Senate Local Government Committee is scheduled to meet at 8 a.m. Monday.
The House Finance and Appropriations Committees are scheduled to meet after Youngkin’s address.