As a result of steadily decreasing water levels in the James River, the City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities (DPU) Director Chris Beschler announced effective today the implementation of mandatory water conservation measures for all City of Richmond water customers. 

In accordance with the City’s James River Regional Management Plan, the trigger level for mandatory conservation measures is 750 cfs (cubic feet per second).

“This is a critical time for everyone to do their part to conserve water,” said Beschler. “All of us are the trustees of our environment, and we must take every step possible to conserve water for the sake of our community.”

This declaration applies to the City of Richmond, along with the counties of Chesterfield and Hanover.

With the water conservation rate implemented by Richmond’s Department of Public Utilities, which went into effect July 1, 2008, DPU water customers who use more than 140 percent of their normal winter water usage (water consumed during December, January, and February) will pay a higher commodity rate on their excess usage. 

Penalties for violators during mandatory conservation measures within the City of Richmond include a written warning for the first offense and fines for additional offenses ranging from $50 to $100 for residential customers and $100 to $200 for commercial customers. Extreme violators of mandatory water restrictions may be charged with a third class misdemeanor.

– The information above was provided by Angela Fountain with the City of Richmond