Pump fails at Richmond water treatment plant as city struggles with increased demand postcrisis
Jan 14, 2025
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- As Richmond grapples with higher-than-typical water demand following a six-day water crisis, the city's water treatment plant has experienced another setback.
Overnight -- between Monday, Jan. 13 and Tuesday, Jan. 14 -- one of Richmond's four finished water pumps failed. "Finished water" is water that has been treated and is ready to be pumped into the water distribution system.
A city spokesperson told 8News that the affected pump experienced a mechanical failure. No further information as to what exactly happened could be provided at this time.
According to the city, two auxiliary pumps are supporting the three remaining finished water pumps as of Tuesday night. Additionally, another auxiliary pump is on the way, which will provide further support and "provide system redundancy."
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"Together, [the functioning] pumps are currently producing 68 million gallons of water daily to serve the City’s distribution network -- as well as sending water to Hanover and Henrico counties," the city said in a press release. "That volume is greater than the average water consumption for this time of year."
Despite the failure and likely because of the auxiliary pumps' contributions, the city's reservoir was at its normal operating height -- just over 17 feet -- as of 3 p.m. on Tuesday.
Will residents in Hanover, Henrico see any problems?
Hanover and Henrico counties issued statements following the news of the pump failure in Richmond. Neither county reported any known issues with water service and both said they continue to monitor what is happening in the city.
"At this time, the pump failure is not impacting Hanover County residents," Hanover officials said. "Hanover’s water system continues to operate normally and without interruption."
Henrico said it has been able to fill its water system of water tanks in eastern Henrico, which will help stabilize customers' water pressure.
In its press release, Henrico officials also addressed recent reports of cloudy water in the county.
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"Public Utilities advises that cloudiness is common, especially in hot water, after increased pressure creates air bubbles in the lines," Henrico officials said. "Residents should notice their water clear gradually as Public Utilities continues to flush lines. Residents with questions about their water are encouraged to call 804-727-8700 during normal business hours.
How is Richmond continuing to address issues like this one?
Additional personnel -- such as city staff, contractors and outside experts -- as well as resources and equipment were all deployed to the water treatment plant the weekend of Saturday, Jan. 11 in preparation for the second winter storm of the year. According to the city, all of those remain on site as of Tuesday.
"And the new processes and protocols that have been implemented to closely monitor water system function and staff expectations are being followed," the city said.
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The city added that a new backup battery system has been successfully installed and tested at the plant.
"The City of Richmond and the Department of Public Utilities [are] continuing to closely monitor this situation and bring in additional resources to support the ongoing function of the water system," the city said.
This is a developing story, stay with 8News for updates.