MetroCare Water Assistance Program
If you are having trouble paying your water utility bill, you might be eligible to receive financial assistance. The MetroCare Water Assistance Program offers a discount to customers who meet qualifying criteria. Whether you have delinquent water bills, are at risk of being disconnected, or struggle with paying on time, you are encouraged to apply. The program is available for Richmond Public Utilities customers.
To be eligible, the account must be in your name and you reside at the address on the bill, you have not received assistance during the current program year (July to June), your water bill balance has not been charged off to collections, and your total gross household income is at or below 225 percent of the federal poverty level.
If you meet the requirements, contact your nearest intake agency to schedule an appointment. The application and all necessary documentation to take to your appointment are listed at www.cordpu.blogspot.com or on the DPU website http://www.richmondgov.com/PublicUtilities/index.aspx under Billing Inquiries>Affordability Programs.
Intake agencies are:
- Capital Area Partnership Uplifting People (CAPUP), 1021 Oliver Hill Way, 788-0050
- The Salvation Army, 2 W. Grace Street, 225-7470
- Richmond Department of Social Services (for existing clients only) at 900 E. Marshall St., 4100 Hull Street Road.
Customers receiving assistance are subject to all provisions of applicable city ordinances. If you need more information, contact one of the partnering intake agencies.
Residential Gas Meters Are Being Updated
The Department of Public Utilities’ four year maintenance project to update residential natural gas meters has been ongoing since July 2015 and is scheduled to be completed in July 2019. During this time, subcontractor Vanguard Utility Service, Inc. is updating the Encoder Receiver Transmitters that electronically report natural gas usage for monthly billings.
Vanguard may require access to properties where meters are located inside or behind a locked gate. Doorhangers with contact information will be left to schedule alternative times if customers are not available when technicians arrive.
All natural gas meters will be serviced including those in the city of Richmond, Henrico County, and part of North Chesterfield. For questions concerning this project, call DPU’s Customer Care Center at 646-4646.
DPU Wins Water Quality Award from AMWA
DPU was one of 20 public drinking water systems recognized by the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA) for its utility management with the Gold Award for Exceptional Water Utility Performance. Gold Awards recognize outstanding achievement in implementing nationally recognized attributes of effective utility management, product quality, customer satisfaction, employee and leadership development, operational optimization, financial viability, infrastructure stability, operational resiliency, community sustainability, water resource adequacy, and stakeholder understanding and support.
Clean Water is Essential
Clean Water is Essential for Richmond’s Future Whether it’s watching what goes down our drains or monitoring what
flows into the James River, improving Richmond’s waterways elevates the quality of life for everyone. Richmond is
one of the largest producers of water in Central Virginia. Our water treatment plant, built in 1924, is capable of
treating up to 132 million gallons of water every day from the James River.
To keep our tap water safe, the EPA requires routine testing of drinking water to identify potential contaminants
such as bacteria and pesticides. The City of Richmond’s water is continuously tested and always meets or exceeds
EPA standards for safe drinking water.
Clean drinking water is something we expect to have access to every day, but let’s not take it for granted. A lot
of work goes into keeping water safe for drinking, and there’s always more to be done.
Richmond’s wastewater treatment plant can treat up to 75 million gallons of sanitary sewage and stormwater every
day. Treatment of wastewater is critical to sustaining aquatic life and supporting recreation.
DPU also manages Richmond’s Combined Sewer System (CSS), which carries wastewater to the treatment plant. When we
experience heavy rainfall, rainwater from storm drains can flow into the CSS, causing Combined Sewer Overflow
(CSO). This overflow of untreated water exits the system at various overflow points on the banks of the James
River and Gillies Creek.
You can learn more about CSOs and Richmond’s CSO control program at
RVAH20.org/wastewater
and learn how we can work together to achieve cleaner water faster at
RVAH20.org
City Participates in National Flood Insurance Rating System
Flooding is the most common natural disaster. Flooding can happen anywhere, especially in low-lying areas near
streams and rivers. In 2004, Tropical Storm Gaston caused $130 million in property damage and nine people died.
The City of Richmond urges everyone to be aware of the risk and what you can do to protect yourself, your family
and your property.
The Community Rating System (CRS) is a voluntary program sponsored by the National Flood Insurance Program through
the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). It promotes and encourages community floodplain management activities
that go above and beyond what is required.
For each activity that educates citizens about flood awareness, how to protect themselves and their property and the
benefits of flood insurance, flood insurance policy holders receive a discount.
If you are in a special flood hazard area (SFHA), you may be required to carry flood insurance. Basic home owners
insurance does not cover flooding. There are several ways to find out if you are at risk. Floodplain maps are
available for viewing on the City of Richmond’s website
www.richmondgov.com/GIS
For more information about the CRS program
www.FEMA.gov/national-flood-insurance-program-community-rating-system
Or you can contact the Water Resources Division at 646-7586.
There are many ways you can help reduce your risk. Purchase or build homes away from high risk flooding areas. “Turn
Around Don’t Drown” when streets are flooded rather than drive through standing water. Protect waterways by not dumping
trash or tires in streams or creeks. Remember “Only Rain in the Drain” prevents trash accumulations in storm drains
from creating localized flooding on streets. Be safe Richmond!
Keeping Citizens Informed!