Richmond City officials are actively addressing critical issues at the water treatment plant following a significant power failure that led to flooding and a complete operational shutdown in January. During the Organizational Development Standing Committee meeting on March 3, 2025, city representatives provided an update on the ongoing investigation and outlined a series of recommendations aimed at preventing future incidents.

The investigation, which includes interviews and document reviews, has revealed that the flooding was primarily caused by a mechanical failure in the power supply system. This failure prevented the plant from switching to backup power, resulting in water levels rising uncontrollably in the basement and damaging essential equipment. The city has already implemented changes to operate the plant in a more secure summer mode, which is designed to mitigate risks associated with power outages.

Key recommendations from the investigation include enhancing the plant's emergency protocols, improving staffing during storm events, and ensuring that all operators are adequately trained on emergency procedures. The report emphasizes the need for a comprehensive asset management plan and better communication protocols to ensure that all staff are informed and equipped to respond effectively during emergencies.

Additionally, the committee discussed the importance of upgrading the plant's control systems and ensuring that backup power sources are reliable and properly managed. The city is committed to addressing these issues promptly, with ongoing collaboration between the Department of Public Utilities and other stakeholders.

As Richmond City moves forward, the focus remains on implementing these recommendations to enhance the resilience of the water treatment plant and safeguard the community's water supply. The city plans to continue monitoring the situation and will provide updates as the investigation progresses.