Harrisonburg City Council declares local emergency due to high water turbidity crisis

In a critical meeting on May 16, 2025, the Harrisonburg City Council addressed a significant local emergency stemming from high turbidity levels in the city’s water supply. The turbidity, caused by recent heavy rains, has led to a shutdown of the water treatment plant, forcing the city to rely on dwindling potable water reserves and prompting a mandatory water conservation order.

The water treatment facility has struggled to manage the influx of particles and sediment, which must be removed to ensure safe drinking water. Since May 14, traditional chemical treatment methods have proven ineffective, resulting in a complete halt of new potable water production for 24 hours. Although some water production resumed on May 15 using alternative techniques, the ongoing high turbidity has severely limited the plant's functionality.

As of May 16, the city’s water storage levels were critically low, and assistance from Rockingham County had ceased. The council noted that further heavy rainfall could exacerbate the situation, potentially leading to a need for residents to boil water before consumption.

In response to these challenges, City Manager and Emergency Management Director requested the council's consent to declare a local emergency. The council unanimously agreed, recognizing that the situation poses a significant risk to public health and safety. The declaration allows for coordinated local government action to mitigate the effects of the emergency and calls for state and federal assistance to support the city and its residents.

The council's resolution will remain in effect until further notice, emphasizing the urgency of the situation and the need for continued efforts to restore the water treatment plant's operations. The city is committed to keeping the community informed as it navigates this pressing public health crisis.