CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. -- Major flooding caused a "temporary shutdown" at Chesterfield County's water treatment plant and prompted emergency repairs at Richmond’s Jahnke Road pump station, which supplies water to Chesterfield and parts of Powhatan County.
As a result, Chesterfield County officials declared emergency water restrictions for all water customers as of about 11:40 p.m. Sunday.
"Customers are asked to conserve water for essential use only and immediately stop all irrigation," a county spokesperson said. "While emergency restrictions are in place to help reduce demand on the water system, the water is safe to drink."
Customers who would like more information can call Chesterfield Utilities Customer Service Center at 804-748-1291.
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Evacuation order lifted; Falling Creek dam levels decrease
People who live in the more than 150 homes in the "danger path" downstream from the Falling Creek Dam in North Chesterfield were allowed to return to their homes Sunday afternoon.
Chesterfield officials said the evacuation order was issued "out of an abundance of caution" Saturday evening for several neighborhoods near the dam.
However, officials said levels at the dam had decreased as of Sunday morning.
A county spokesperson said several roads and intersections across the county remain closed Sunday.
"Residents and businesses are urged to plan their travel, if necessary, across the county, and to adhere to all road closures and barriers put in place by law enforcement and transportation officials," officials said.
Additionally, officials urged folks to not to swim, kayak or boat in county lakes, ponds, creeks and rivers.
"Floodwaters carry swift currents with lots of debris and wildlife," officials warned.
#Cfield has declared a local state of emergency due to heavy flooding. Many roads in the county are impassable and closed due to high water. If you come across a road that's closed or water is covering it, turn around, don't drive through it! #StayHome pic.twitter.com/w1pmaxAiCk
— Chesterfield County - WEAR A MASK 😷 (@ChesterfieldVa) August 15, 2020
After parts of the county received more than 7 inches of rainfall in less than 24 hours, Chesterfield County Administrator Dr. Joe Casey issued a local emergency declaration Saturday afternoon.
"The emergency declaration allows for the immediate activation of the county’s Emergency Operations Center, along with the deployment of employees and resources to address and monitor weather conditions, the status of our infrastructure, and take additional safeguards to protect people and property, if necessary," officials said.
A shelter has been set up at Meadowbrook High School for those who had to evacuate. Chesterfield leaders say only a handful have signed in so far, 100 people max due to covid safety guidelines. @CBS6 pic.twitter.com/pniJr2aFDN
— Matthew Fultz CBS 6 (@matthewfultztv) August 16, 2020
