Richmond, Va. (Newsradiowrva.com) - Richmond city leaders have announced that “Water Recovery Week” will start Friday, Jan. 24 and run through Friday, Jan. 31.
Throughout this week, residents are encouraged to go out and support local shops and restaurants with the goal of helping businesses offset the financial impact of the water crisis.
Earlier this month, some businesses were forced to completely close for nearly a week when the city was on a boil water advisory. Some lacked water to even boil.
This outage had significant repercussions for businesses like coffee shops, hair salons, restaurants, and other establishments that rely heavily on water to serve their customers.
“Local small businesses are such an important part of what makes Richmond one of the very best places to live, work, or visit. This week, I’m asking Richmonders, if they’re able, to join me in supporting their favorite local restaurant, coffee shop, salon, or other small business,” said Mayor Avula. “Working together as we’re able, we can all help our local small businesses and their staff recover."
The city is also close to announcing final financial logistical details for resident recovery funds.
After the water outage, officials announced a grace period for certain bill due dates. Mayor Avula said businesses and residents won’t be charged for water they didn’t use during the week of the water crisis.
The water crisis started on Jan. 6 after a winter storm-related power outage and system malfunction left Richmond and nearby counties without clean running water for six days.
The Virginia Department of Health recently released a Notice of Alleged Violation, claiming the city wasn’t capable of providing citizens with water. The city has been given 30 days to take corrective actions.
