Water Crisis Affects Hanover and Richmond, Virginia

Central Virginia is facing a significant water crisis, particularly affecting Hanover and Henrico counties, where thousands of residents are without clean water following a winter storm. Hanover County has restored water service, but a boil water advisory remains in effect due to contamination concerns, with approximately 80% of its water sourced from Richmond's reservoir. Economic experts warn that low-income households will experience severe financial strain from the crisis, with potential long-term repercussions including increased reliance on food banks and unpaid utility bills. In Henrico County, a similar crisis has unfolded, prompting a county-wide boil water advisory after a water pipe burst, leaving about 23,000 residents without service. Local businesses, like Giambanco’s Italian Restaurant in Hanover, are struggling to adapt, relying on personal wells and bottled water to remain operational. Residents across both counties are urging local officials for better infrastructure planning and crisis management to prevent future outages.