RICHMOND, Va. — The Virginia Department of Health is lifting their recreational water advisory for the James River effective immediately.
That advisory was in place for the river beginning at the Manchester Bridge and ending in Osborne Landing in Henrico County.
That advisory started on July 17 following a sewer release near the Pipeline Trail along the James River.
According to VDH, water quality samples were collected on July 29 and 30 and indicate bacteria concentrations in the James River are now at levels acceptable for all recreational use. But experts warn that swimming or any activities in natural bodies of water always pose some health risks because the water is not disinfected.
To address the issue of the failed pipe the city of Richmond says they have taken several steps. That includes installing two inflatable plugs and patching the impacted areas of the pipe to seal them. A welder is still scheduled to come to the pipe and install a solution to isolate both ends of the pipe.