Richmond officials outline causes and fixes after water‑plant turbidity incident, institute weekly basin cleanings

Richmond City Council heard an update from the Department of Public Utilities on a turbidity incident at the city water treatment plant that led to two boil‑water advisories and temporary reductions in production.

Department staff said the plant took filters offline after a large release of accumulated alum sludge clogged filters. "We did have an incident in Monday where we had a turbidity issue at the water treatment plant, which resulted in us having to take the filters down at the water treatment plant," Mr. Morris said, describing the sequence that led to the advisories. The boil advisories covered two separate distribution zones and were lifted around 2:30 a.m. Thursday, officials said.

City and regional reviews identified two primary factors: poorer raw‑water quality in that segment of the James River and limited alkalinity in the raw water, and maintenance practices related to sedimentation plates where alum sludge accumulates. Morris said VDH (Virginia Department of Health) conducted a review of James River water quality and confirmed the lower alkalinity and related risks. He said the plate cleanings — previously performed as corrective maintenance or on demand — allowed sludge to build…