Setback slows progress in restoring Richmond's water

The City of Richmond released a Tuesday night update that backed off an earlier timeframe for the restoration of water to the city.

This morning, officials were hopeful to restore water service by this evening.

"Following positive progress earlier in the day that saw operational computer systems come back online and water flow and pumping activity resume, an event that occurred Tuesday afternoon at the City of Richmond’s water treatment plan has slowed progress in fully restoring water service," the update said.

The update continued: "During work on the water restoration process this afternoon, an electric panel at the facility failed. On-site engineers moved quickly to address and resolve the issue. Initially, it was thought that this malfunction would not significantly impact the restoration process.

"However, further analysis and investigation in consultation with regional and statewide experts revealed that the event would extend the restoration process timeline."

The city did not give a new timeframe on when water would be restored.

As of this morning, out of eight total pumps across two plants at the site, two were “available” and one was pumping water, which was beginning to restore the Byrd Park reservoir.

That reservoir must reach a critical mass before water pressure can return to area homes.

Water distribution stations across the city will open again beginning at 10:30 a.m. tomorrow.

This has been a breaking news update. There will be another update later this evening from The Richmonder.