Richmond to install flow restrictors on homes with delinquent accounts

RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) – Richmond is using a new tactic to collect water debt by installing flow restrictors on homes with delinquent accounts.

The quarter-sized devices will be attached to the water mains of homes that fall too far behind on payments, slowing water to more of a trickle instead of shutting off service entirely.

“The intention of the flow restrictor is actually to provide essential services, but not necessarily convenient services,” said Scott Morris with the Department of Public Utilities.

Morris says the restrictors limit water flow to about half a gallon per minute.

Residents will still be able to wash their hands and flush the toilet, but will need to be cautious about activities like multiple loads of laundry.

The devices take about 15 minutes to install and can be removed at any time.

Other cities have used the tool to manage water use during droughts. Morris says they are also beneficial if a water line has a leak.

He says they already installed one for a customer with a leak on a private line and the consumption dropped dramatically, around 80%, with the tool.

“If they’re not using the water, we don’t have to charge them for the water,” Morris said. “And so that makes it easier for us, both from a bill correction perspective, any type of scenario that plays out where we need additional flexibility.”

The focus is bringing down the total debt Richmond water customers have accumulated, which Morris says increased substantially since COVID.

The “Back on Track” initiative helped close that gap a little, as the city got back about $1 million.

The hope is the restrictors will bring it down even more.

“Just like the customer base, we want to make sure our finances are on our track, making sure that our accounts receivables are low, helps us with our bond agency and also helps us keep our rates as low as possible,” Morris said.

The city is flagging doors at homes that could be impacted. Residents with questions can reach out to the Department of Public Utilities.

The city is going around putting hangers on doors of homes that would be impacted and so far Morris says his team has gotten to about 450 customers.

The restrictors are supposed to be installed starting next week. If you have a hanger on your door and do not want it installed, call 804-646-4646 to explore payment options and assistance programs.