In a reassuring update, Henrico County officials have confirmed that residents do not need to boil their water, following a proactive disconnection from the City of Richmond’s water supply due to a power outage affecting the city’s reservoir system on Monday.
The power outage led city officials to issue a boil water advisory for Richmond residents, warning that the city’s water supply might remain compromised for 24 to 48 hours. However, Henrico County residents can rest easy knowing that their water remains safe and unaffected by the incident.
County Water System Ensures Safety
Henrico County’s water treatment facility, which serves the majority of its residents, was not impacted by the recent winter storm. As a result, the county swiftly rerouted its water services to ensure that all Henrico residents, including those in Central and Eastern areas who typically rely on Richmond’s water supply, receive safe drinking water from the county’s system.
Bentley P. Chan, Director of the Department of Public Utilities, emphasized the county’s preparedness and capacity to meet the needs of its 100,000 water customers. “Henrico County wants to assure our customers that their water is safe to drink and use,” Chan stated. “We have sufficient capacity from our own water system to meet the needs of our residential and business customers for some time. We are working closely with the city and other partners to ensure that our region’s water needs are met and have offered our assistance to bring Richmond’s reservoir system back online as quickly as possible.”
Impact on Water Pressure
While the safety of the water is guaranteed, Henrico residents may notice changes in water pressure as a result of the rerouted service. This adjustment is a minor inconvenience compared to the assurance of having safe and reliable water during the ongoing situation in Richmond.
Proactive Measures and Community Assurance
Henrico’s proactive measures highlight the importance of a robust and responsive public utility system. By disconnecting from the affected supply and utilizing its own resources, the county has successfully safeguarded its residents from the potential hazards associated with the boil water advisory issued in Richmond.
As Richmond works to restore its reservoir system, Henrico County continues to monitor the situation closely, ready to provide support and maintain the safety and reliability of its water supply. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official county communications and trust in the measures taken to ensure their well-being.
For more updates and information, Henrico residents can contact the Department of Public Utilities or visit the county’s official website.
