One year after a major water system failure, Richmond officials say the city has met all consent order requirements and completed critical infrastructure projects aimed at improving the safety and reliability of its water system. Mayor Danny Avula announced that the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) has implemented significant changes over the past year, including upgrades to physical systems and leadership restructuring.
Mayor Avula stated, “One year ago, we faced a challenge that tested our community. Today, I can confidently say that Richmond is stronger than ever. We’ve invested in people, processes, and technology to ensure safe, reliable water for every resident and our regional customers. Last year was incredibly difficult, but it is firmly in the rearview mirror.”
Since January 2025, new leadership—including Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald and DPU Director Scott Morris—has focused on strengthening operational capacity by hiring additional operators and forming a management team with over 140 years of combined engineering experience. “We’ve taken every lesson from last year and turned it into action. Our systems are upgraded, our leadership is stronger, and our focus is now on prevention, not just reacting to a crisis. Our commitment is delivering excellence. I’m proud of the team for the work it took to get us here, and the future of DPU,” said Morris.
Infrastructure improvements during 2025 included upgrades to SCADA control systems and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), repairs or replacements for filter effluent valves and finished water pumps, integration of backup generators, enhanced secondary containment measures for leaks, redesigned overflow pumping systems, and completion of a long-term switchgear project in November 2025. The installation of an Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) ensures continuous power at the Water Treatment Plant during outages—a feature absent during last year’s incident.
Odie Donald commented on these efforts: “A commitment to excellence and accountability has guided each and every decision made during this past year as we continue to improve the water system. Richmonders deserve nothing less. Our best-in-class compliance rate and impactful capital improvement projects are proof of our commitment to Richmond residents and our willingness to do the hard things that improve the services we provide. That’s our commitment to a Thriving Richmond.”
All consent order requirements have been fulfilled; as of October 10th, 2025 all mandated updates were submitted according to schedule. Additionally, 93% of recommendations from federal agencies like EPA as well as state consultants have been addressed; remaining items are linked with ongoing capital projects.
The city also maintained compliance with federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards throughout this period by submitting its Consumer Confidence Report ahead of schedule.
To further bolster preparedness against future disruptions or emergencies involving water supply infrastructure—the city enhanced redundant systems along with emergency response protocols—and expanded workforce training.
Regional cooperation was another priority: coordination meetings began in May 2025 between Richmond officials and neighboring jurisdictions such as Henrico County; joint exercises followed through August; field testing was conducted collaboratively along shared transmission mains by September.
Delegate Betsy Carr praised these efforts: “I appreciate that Mayor Avula and his team have been working assiduously on remedying this. Unfortunately, our water infrastructure is old and outdated and it will take time-and money-to fix it. I’m committed to making that happen so no one ever goes without access to clean, safe water again. As you probably remember, sadly some of our neighboring communities were also impacted—and I am committed to working with my regional colleagues—to fix this for the entire area—and ensure we all have a first class modern water infrastructure that cannot—and will not—fail us.”
City leaders assert these steps position Richmond’s utility system as safer—more resilient—and better able serve both local residents regional partners going forward.
