The Leesburg Town Council Work Session on June 9, 2025, focused on evaluating the town's water operations in light of a recent water emergency in Richmond. Amy Weicks, the director of utilities, presented a detailed analysis comparing Leesburg's preparedness and response strategies to the issues faced by Richmond earlier this year.

In January, Richmond experienced a significant water crisis when a power outage at their treatment facility led to flooding and a subsequent boil water advisory that lasted several days. The Virginia Department of Health conducted a report on the incident, identifying key failures in maintenance and an over-reliance on manual processes as contributing factors to the emergency.

Weicks highlighted that Leesburg has implemented several measures to prevent similar incidents. The town has a robust training program for waterworks staff, ensuring they are well-prepared for power outages and other emergencies. Leesburg also maintains a Virginia Department of Health-approved plan for extended power outages, conducts routine maintenance, and has established a staffing plan for storm events.

The council discussed the importance of fostering relationships with emergency management agencies and maintaining an asset management system for infrastructure. Leesburg's water system is designed with redundancy and includes backup power sources, which were emphasized as critical to preventing a single point of failure.

Additionally, the council noted recent changes to the Virginia state code requiring waterworks to report critical equipment failures within two hours of discovery. This change aims to improve communication and response times during emergencies.

In conclusion, the council expressed confidence in Leesburg's water management practices, noting that the town's proactive measures and preparedness strategies position it well to handle potential emergencies. The session underscored the importance of continuous improvement and training in maintaining the safety and reliability of the town's water supply.