DPU is proactively correcting bills and reducing the average bill of impacted customers by nearly 15% 

Richmond, VA — On October 17, the City of Richmond’s Department of Public Utilities (DPU) identified an equipment failure that resulted in the corruption of utility meter reading data for less than 5,000 customers on Richmond’s Southside. DPU took swift action and immediately delayed billing to those impacted customers to prevent incorrect bills. After an extensive review of the data over the last two weeks, a single, correct bill will be issued to impacted customers reflecting both the previous and current billing period.

To help offset the inconvenience of this disruption to the billing cycle, the combined bill will only include base fees for one month — a reduction of about $40 – $50, or nearly15% for the average customer.

“Our goal is to deliver best in class service to our customers. That starts with consistent and reliable billing, but that doesn’t mean issues won’t arise. Service rises to elite status, when we proactively correct issues and our customers can have confidence that we will do what it takes to get it right,” said Chief Administrative Officer Odie Donald II. “This small adjustment is the first step in building that transparency and trust with our customers.”

What impacted customers need to know

• This month’s bills will reflect usage fees for both the previous and current billing cycle.
• This month‘s bill will reflect base fees for just one billing cycle — a reduction of about $40 for water and wastewater customers and about $50 for water, wastewater, and gas customers, or about 15% for the average customer.
• No late fees will be charged.

DPU is also enhancing its meter reading technology for the vehicles that collect utility meter data to improve reliability. That new equipment has been purchased and will be tested and installed over the next several weeks citywide. DPU is committed to serving our customers and ensuring billing accuracy, I am very appreciative to the staff that have worked tirelessly to resolved this as quickly as possible. DPU continues to enhance our billing and utility infrastructure citywide, all of our customers will continue to benefit from better, more efficient technology,” said DPU Director Scott Morris. 

For questions, customers may contact the DPU Customer Care Center at 804-646-4646 or dpucustserv@rva.gov.

As temperatures drop, it’s important to winterize your sprinkler system before freezing weather hits. Waiting too long can lead to burst pipes, flooding and expensive repairs in the spring. When water is left inside your sprinkler lines, valves or backflow device, it freezes and expands. That pressure can split or crack pipes, even those buried underground. Many people assume their sprinkler pipes are safe because they’re below the frost line. However, in most yards, sprinkler lines aren’t buried deep enough to be protected from the cold.

Why You Should Winterize

Failing to winterize can cause:

• Cracked pipes or valves
• Leaks and flooding
• Costly repairs in the spring
• Higher water bills from unnoticed damage

Step-by-Step: How to Winterize for Beginners

1. Turn Off the Water Supply

Locate the main shutoff valve for your sprinkler system. It’s usually near your home’s water meter or inside a basement or crawl space. Turn the valve clockwise to shut it off. If the valve is outside, wrap it with foam insulation or a towel inside a plastic bag to protect it from freezing.

2. Turn Off or Adjust the Controller

Your sprinkler controller (the box that runs your watering schedule) should be turned off for the season.

Option 1: Set it to “Rain Mode” to keep all settings saved while preventing the system from running.

Option 2: Unplug the controller completely. You’ll need to reset the time and date in the spring.

3. Drain the Water from the System

Water left inside pipes is the main cause of winter damage. There are two main ways to remove it:

• Manual Drain Method
  
  • Locate the manual drain valves, which are typically located at the lowest points of your system, usually in the basement or crawl spaces. Open them to let the water flow out. Once drained, close the valves.
• Automatic Drain Method:
  
  • Some systems have automatic drain valves that open when water pressure drops. After turning off the main water valve, run one sprinkler zone briefly to relieve pressure. The automatic valves will open and release the water.

4. Detach and Store Hoses

Remove any hoses connected to outdoor faucets and store them indoors. This prevents freezing and extends their lifespan.

Act Now Before It’s Too Late

Winterizing early protects your sprinkler system, saves you from costly repairs and ensures your system will work perfectly come spring. Don’t wait for the first freeze; winterize your sprinkler system today to protect your home and your wallet.

RICHMOND, Va. (Oct. 21, 2025) — The City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities (DPU) will host a hiring event from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28, at Main Street Station to fill several open positions.

Job seekers will have the opportunity to meet with hiring managers, learn about available roles and potentially receive on-the-spot job offers.

DPU is recruiting for several positions, including:

• Utility field specialist
• Gas and water field specialist senior
• Utility pipeline technician
• Equipment operator principal
• Equipment operator senior
• Plant operator
• Utility plant specialist

“We’re looking for highly motivated individuals who want to build long-term, meaningful careers serving their community,” said DPU Senior Director Scott Morris. “This event is a great opportunity to meet our dedicated team; learn about the exceptional work we do on a daily basis and take the next step in your career.”

Applicants are encouraged to apply here in advance, but walk-ins are welcome. Attendees should bring multiple copies of their resumes and be prepared for on-site interviews.

The event will be held at Main Street Station, 1500 E. Main St., Richmond, with free parking available. The location is also accessible by public transportation.

For more information about the event or current job openings, visit rva.gov/public-utilities or follow @RichmondDPU on social media.

About the Department of Public Utilities
The City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities provides natural gas, water, wastewater, stormwater and streetlight services to more than 500,000 customers in the Richmond metropolitan area. DPU is committed to safety, reliability and innovation in delivering essential utility services that support the region’s residents, businesses and environment.

RICHMOND, Va. (October 21, 2025) — The City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities (DPU) is helping residents stay warm and save energy this winter by distributing free weatherization kits to seniors age 65 and older. The kits will be available at three locations across the city this fall, while supplies last. 

Each weatherization kit includes energy-saving materials such as insulating weather stripping, draft-stopping outlet covers, and an energy-efficient light bulb. These simple items can help residents reduce drafts and lower heating costs during the colder months. 

Distribution events will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the following dates: 

• Thursday, October 23— Southside Community Services Center, 4100 Hull Street Road
• Thursday, November 6 — East District Initiative, 701 North 25th Street
• Thursday, November 13 — Brookhill Azalea Shopping Center, 5300 Chamberlayne Road, Suite 3 

Kits are available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. 

“Helping Richmond residents prepare for colder weather is an important part of our mission to serve the community,” said Rhonda Johnson, DPU’s Senior Public Information Officer. “These weatherization kits offer simple, affordable ways for seniors to improve comfort and reduce energy use at home.” 

For more information, visit rva.gov/public-utilities or follow Richmond DPU on social media at @RichmondDPU. 

Lane Opening – 3200 – 3400 blocks of Williamsburg Avenue

WHO:  City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities (https://twitter.com/DPUStreetNews)  
 
WHAT: Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Project Completion and Traffic Pattern Update

WHEN:  

Monday, September 29 through Friday, October 3, 2025, from 7:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m.

Monday, October 6 through Friday, October 10, 2025, from 7:00 a.m. until 5 p.m.

October 13 through December 31, 2025, Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m.

Weekends will not have flaggers, and the impacted area will only have eastbound traffic.

WHERE: 3200 – 3400 blocks of Williamsburg Avenue

PROJECT SCOPE:  Sewer Improvements

PROJECT IMPACTS: Starting Monday, September 29, crews will open one lane of flagger assisted westbound traffic at the 3200 – 3400 blocks of Williamsburg Avenue. This lane opening will be in effect from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Monday through Friday through December 2025.  Outside of these hours the traffic pattern will revert to eastbound only traffic for this stretch of Williamsburg Avenue between Stony Run Road and S. 31st Street.

PROJECT BACKGROUND: The CSO Outfall 004 Improvement Project on Williamsburg Avenue, part of Richmond's Combined Sewer Overflow Interim Plan, involves installing a larger pipe, manholes, a relocated outfall into Gillies Creek, and control structures to better manage flow. Once complete, it is expected to prevent about 48 overflow events and 5.1 million gallons of overflow annually. The project is fully funded by a $100 million ARPA grant.

Construction milestones include near completion of the CSO regulator structure and successful construction of the large diameter pipe tunneling in Williamsburg Road and under the railroad crossing. Due to unexpected underground conditions, the completion date has shifted from January 2025 to December 2025, though the project remains on budget.

For these and other utility related updates follow us on Twitter @DPUStreetNews. 

For the most current and up to date information regarding emergency repairs, maintenance and road closures in your area, the City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities encourages you to download CivicReady. Stay updated, stay informed, stay ready. 

The red arrow on the map above shows the segment of Williamsburg Avenue that is opening for the specified dates and times.