We, the undersigned residents of Richmond, Virginia, urgently call on our leaders to ensure access to clean, safe, and affordable drinking water for all residents.

 

Many neighborhoods—especially those historically underserved and home to veterans, minorities, and low-income families—face ongoing water contamination from harmful chemicals like PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), aging infrastructure, and rising utility costs that threaten public health and financial stability.

The City of Richmond has recently increased utility rates—effective July 1, 2025—to fund critical infrastructure improvements and address rising operational costs. The average residential customer is projected to pay about $11.25 more per month under these revised rates. While necessary, these increases place additional financial strain on vulnerable communities already struggling to afford safe drinking water.

Due to contamination concerns and rising costs, many families are forced to rely on expensive bottled water, which often comes in plastic containers that harm the environment and strain household budgets. The increasing costs of both tap water and bottled water place an unsustainable burden on vulnerable communities.

We demand that our government and water providers:

1. Implement monthly water subsidies or relief programs that specifically include provisions for glass-bottled drinking water to ensure safe consumption and reduce plastic waste.
2. Continue to invest in critical infrastructure upgrades to eliminate contamination, including PFAS chemicals, and prevent leaks and service disruptions.
   Increase transparency and accountability in water management, testing, and billing practices.
3. Prioritize environmental justice by addressing systemic neglect in vulnerable communities.

Why This Matters:

• Health Risks: PFAS contamination and plastic micro-particles in bottled water pose serious long-term health risks, especially for children, seniors, and immunocompromised individuals.

 

• Financial Burden: Rising water and bottled water costs place an unbearable financial strain on low-income families and veterans, worsening existing inequalities.

 

• Environmental Impact: Plastic bottled water contributes to pollution, harming our neighborhoods and ecosystems. Glass bottles offer a safer, sustainable alternative that supports recycling and reuse.

 

• Human Rights: Access to clean, affordable water is a fundamental right. Glass-bottled water subsidies promote fairness, safety, and sustainability for all Richmond residents.

Sign this petition to stand with our community and demand fair, sustainable water access now!