Richmond, Va. (Newsradiowrva.com) - Richmond’s public water system is under scrutiny in the aftermath of a water crisis that lasted nearly a week.
During a 2022 federal inspection, the system was found to be aging and full of shortcomings, with debris ranging from algae to chemical leaks.
In a 114-page report compiled by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Richmond’s public water system was described as having a variety of issues. Discoveries included standing water, corroded pipes, out-of-service equipment and more.
Below are five of the most concerning findings that our partners at 8News identified in the report:
• Staff were not prepared for emergency situations.
• There was degrading, broken and unreliable infrastructure.
• Inspectors found debris, rust, corrosion and standing water.
• Parts of the system were poorly monitored — if at all.
• Threats to public health were identified across the system.
The full report can be viewed here. WRVA will provide updates as we learn more about the current condition of Richmond's public water system.
