Frustration is mounting among Richmond area officials and residents following a series of water service disruptions, as City of Richmond leaders weigh long-term plans to modernize the aging water treatment plant responsible for much of the region’s supply.

A discussion Monday over a modernization plan for the water treatment plant’s infrastructure between Richmond City Council and Department of Public Utilities (DPU) Director Scott Morris was filled with concerns over the recent water issues.

“For the past 21 years, I’ve not seen this kind of interruption of services except in the past six months,” Ellen Robertson, 6th District, said. “It raises all kinds of questions.”

Council members cited residents’ complaints throughout the discussion, including high utility bills and issues with the payment system. They also raised questions about DPU’s efforts to ensure reliability and the plant modernization plan, which is expected to be completed by 2034.

The discussion followed the lifting of Richmond’s second boil water advisory this year and came months after an accident caused a temporary spike in fluoride levels. Just hours after the advisory ended, a water main break on Canal Street disrupted water service in Henrico County for several days.

During a press conference last Friday, Henrico officials praised Richmond’s improved communication during recent incidents but emphasized the need for changes to ensure reliable service.

“It is frustrating that we again find ourselves having to resolve a major issue stemming from a water treatment plant and distribution system that is not in our county,” Henrico Board of Supervisors Chair Tyrone Nelson said.

Proposals at the press conference included having Henrico water staff assist onsite at Richmond’s plant and creating a regional water authority. Henrico officials said some of these ideas also have been discussed with Hanover County leaders.

When City Council members brought up the idea of a regional authority, Morris said his discussions with other DPU directors have focused on improving collaboration. He noted that any shift toward a regional entity is being considered by higher-level regional leaders and would come with challenges.

“Frankly, I don’t know where those conversations are going to go,” Morris said, “but my overall end goal is to make sure that this (plan) is both protective of the City of Richmond’s residents but also our regional partners.”

Council members also discussed their role in addressing the incidents — a point raised again hours later by Richmond resident Andre Tolleris during the evening meeting, where he urged them to take greater responsibility for the water system’s future.

“Clean drinking water is not a luxury,” Tolleris said during public comments. “It’s a fundamental expectation of a functioning city, and if you can’t guarantee that, then we have a much deeper problem than sediment at a water plant.”