Richmond lifts boil advisory, water now safe to drink
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Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios
Richmond has lifted the boil water advisory.
Why it matters: Large swaths of Richmond now have drinkable water for the first time since Tuesday.
Driving the news: City officials ended the advisory Thursday afternoon after two rounds of water samples tested negative for bacteria — the standard to declare the water safe to drink, per state health regulations.
The big picture: This is Richmond's third water-related issue in less than six months, spurring frustration among residents.
- The most recent one this week, prompted by a clog in the water plant's filters, led to nearly all areas north of the James River, and parts of South Richmond, being under a boil water advisory for about two days.
- It also led to Henrico and Hanover officials warning of a possible loss of water pressure during the advisory, since the counties are relying on their own water supply after disconnecting from Richmond's.
Catch up quick: The problem began Tuesday when the city's water plant filters got clogged due to unusually dirty or cloudy water.
- While they had initially resolved the issue, the plant filters reclogged again and impacted the Ginter Park tank that feeds The Fan, Museum District, Jackson Ward, Northside and more.
- It later affected a tank in South Richmond, prompting an expansion of the advisory later on Tuesday night.
What's next: The city's Department of Public Utilities director Scott Morris told City Council earlier this week that he expects to have answers on what went wrong this time.
- "It's not going to be three months out. It's weeks at most."
This is a developing story. Check back for updates
