RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- After days of disruption, residents across Richmond, Henrico, Hanover and Goochland can finally use their water without boiling it first. Richmond Mayor Danny Avula announced Saturday afternoon that the boil water advisory, issued earlier in the week after a malfunction at the city’s water treatment plant, has been lifted. At a press conference held at noon, Mayor Avula confidently held up a glass of water sourced directly from the tap to mark the milestone. "I am really pleased to announce today that the boil water advisory has been lifted," he said. The advisory was removed after two rounds of water tests conducted 16 hours apart -- one on Thursday and another Frida -- confirmed that the water supply is safe. “We are back!” Avula exclaimed during the announcement, reassuring residents that the crisis has passed. Despite another winter storm Friday night that could have worsened the situation, no further issues were reported at the water treatment plant. “Everything went well overnight without any interruptions, and now we can move to the next steps of the process,” Avula explained. Residents might notice cloudy water in the short term. According to Avula, this is caused by air bubbles and should clear up soon. What should I do after a boil water advisory is lifted? While water services have been restored, the city plans to investigate the malfunction further. A third-party team will be brought in to analyze the incident and provide recommendations for policy, procedural, and infrastructure improvements. “The process will include an accurate timeline of events and will identify recommendations on appropriate policies, procedures, and infrastructure,” Avula said. The upcoming investigation will draw insights from a 2022 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report that outlined significant infrastructure issues in Richmond. Mayor Avula emphasized that improving the city’s water systems is a long-term process. “We still have ongoing work this week to shore up that these systems are operating appropriately, our backups are operating appropriately. So, there's still going to be an all-hands-on-deck approach at the plant this week,” Avula explained. “Building new water treatment plants, like, really addressing infrastructure issues, is not an overnight process,” he added. Local businesses have faced significant challenges during the water crisis, and the city is looking into ways to assist with recovery. Avula said consultants will be brought in to identify funding opportunities that can help offset the financial strain caused by the boil water advisory. When asked for further details, Avula assured residents that updates on next steps for improvements will be shared in the coming weeks. Notably absent from the press conference was Richmond’s Director of Public Utilities, April Bingham. Avula explained that she had been at the water plant overnight, ensuring that all systems were functioning correctly. As the investigation unfolds, Central Virginia residents can look forward to a safer and more reliable water system in the future. For now, they can resume cooking, bathing and drinking without worry.