Water Advisory: Sewage Spill in Hopewell VA

Massive Wastewater Discharge Follows Electrical Failure at Hopewell Treatment Plant

A mechanical fault late Friday evening led to the release of roughly one million gallons of untreated sewage into waterways connected to the James River in Hopewell, Virginia. The incident, which unfolded after an electrical failure at the city’s wastewater treatment plant, triggered a prompt public health response from state and local officials.

Timeline of Contamination

At precisely 11:50 p.m. on July 11, an electrical malfunction disrupted operations at the Hopewell wastewater facility. This failure set off an unrelenting flow of raw sewage into the surrounding ecosystem. By July 12, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), through its Crater Health District division, issued a sweeping advisory. This notice warned residents and visitors to avoid direct water contact in a wide radius that included Gravely Run Creek, Tar Bay, and significant portions of the James River.

The advisory extended from the Old City Point Waterfront Park downstream to Berkley Plantation, covering the entire width of the river within this span. Officials cited the need for caution as untreated sewage can contain pathogens and pollutants harmful to humans and animals.

Public Safety Guidelines Issued

The VDH urged people to steer clear of water-based recreation that involved full or prolonged body contact, such as swimming or stand-up paddle boarding. Pets, often drawn to the water, should also be kept away to prevent exposure.

For those engaging in lower-risk activities like launching boats, kayaking, or canoeing, officials advised heightened caution. Individuals are instructed to:

• Avoid all areas within Gravely Run Creek and its junction with the James River, and the affected stretch of the river from City Point to Berkley Plantation.

• Steer clear of any water that smells foul, appears chemically tainted, or contains dead fish.

• Wash exposed skin with soap and water immediately after contact with the water.

• Rinse or launder items touched by the water, including clothing and boating equipment.

• Consult a doctor and report any water contact if illness or unusual symptoms occur.

As of the time of reporting, officials confirmed that the region’s drinking water supply remained unaffected.

Ongoing Monitoring and Broader Regional Impacts

Health officials, alongside the City of Hopewell and the Department of Environmental Quality, continue to monitor water conditions. The public health advisory will remain under active review until further notice.

This episode adds to a recent string of sewage-related events in the region. Just two days earlier, a lightning strike disrupted operations in Essex County, leading to a discharge of 400,000 gallons of partially treated sewage into a local creek. That event prompted a similar advisory.

These back-to-back incidents underline the vulnerability of wastewater systems to both mechanical and natural disruptions. Authorities face mounting pressure to bolster infrastructure and communication in the wake of these events.

Water Safety Solutions at Home

Sewage discharges of this magnitude raise questions about long-term environmental impacts and how communities can better prepare for emergencies. Reverse osmosis (RO) filtration systems offer a reliable barrier against contaminants when used in household settings. RO systems remove bacteria, viruses, and dissolved solids from water, making it safer for drinking even when source water is compromised.

For broader protection, whole-home water conditioners can help residents reduce exposure to sediment and impurities in water entering their homes. Though these systems do not replace the need for public safety responses, they provide an extra layer of defense during water advisories.

Source: WRIC ( ABC 8 News )