City and Surrounding Localities Declare 
Mandatory Water Conservation Measures

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. 

The following mandatory water conservation requirements apply to City of Richmond 
Department of Public Utilities customers:

CATEGORY	City of Richmond MANDATORY CONSERVATION MEASURES
Established Landscape & Gardens	Monday – no watering. Odd property addresses water Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Even property addresses water Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. (Odd/even designation is determined by last digit of address number.)
New Landscape	Unrestricted for first 10 days after planting, then limited to the “Established Landscape and Gardens” measures.
Ornamental Fountains	Use is prohibited of any ornamental fountains where the water is sprayed strictly for ornamental purposes and whose supply comes from the City water system. This restriction does not apply to ornamental fountains that utilize recycled water. However, refilling them with City water is prohibited.
Fish Pond Aerators	Unrestricted because their use sustains aquatic life by adding dissolved oxygen to the water.
Vegetable Gardens	Limited to any two days per week between 8 p.m. and 10 a.m. Bucket watering is unrestricted.
Paved Areas Washing (Streets, Drives, Patios, Walks, etc.)	Washing is prohibited except for immediate health and safety concerns.
Vehicle Washing (Commercial Businesses Exempt)	Limited to one day per week using a hand-held watering hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle.
Golf Courses (Greens Exempt)	Restricted to 6 days per week between 8 p.m. and 4 a.m.
Businesses/Restaurants	Limited to essential uses. Provide water only upon request.
Power Washing (Commercial Businesses Exempt)	Operation is prohibited.

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.
For more information, visit the City’s website at www.RichmondGov.com/DPU contact DPU’s 
Customer Care Center at 644-3000.
 

For additional information specific to localities, contact:
     County of Goochland Public Utilities - 556-5835
     County of Hanover Customer Service - 365-6024
     County of Henrico Customer Service - 501-4275
     City of Richmond Customer Care Center - 644-3000