Above image: Screenshot of Richmond’s Combined Sewer Overflow Map. There are 25 CSO outfalls located at various points along the James River within the city’s CSO area. You can view an interactive map for current conditions.
Coalition Pushes for State Support to Repair Richmond’s Combined Sewer and Protect the James River
Many older cities across the United States rely on sewer systems that carry both wastewater and stormwater into the same pipes. Richmond is one of three cities in Virginia with this outdated “combined” sewer system and the largest in the state. During dry weather conditions, wastewater is piped to Richmond’s treatment plant, where it is cleaned before being released to the James River. During wet weather conditions, stormwater can overwhelm the system’s capacity, causing overflow directly into the James River and Gillies Creek. This triggers the release of stormwater and untreated wastewater that pollutes the river and makes it unsafe for recreation.
In 2025, the reported amount of stormwater and wastewater that overflowed into the James River exceeded 3.5 billion gallons, an estimated 10% of which was untreated wastewater. These sewer overflows pose health risks to our communities and ecosystems, illustrating why upgrades to the combined sewer system are critically needed. Once completed, the upgrades will reduce the amount of bacteria conveyed by the combined sewer system by 70% – this is essential to restoring healthy river ecology and quality of life for residents and visitors who fish, swim, and boat in the James.
The James River Association has advocated alongside the City of Richmond and 20 businesses and organizations to share with the General Assembly why investments in the combined sewer system matter for our community and environment. On Sunday, the Committee Reports for the State Budget were released and included $50M for Richmond’s combined sewer system. We welcome these critical investments and remain committed to protecting the James in partnership with these lawmakers.
Please see our joint letter below:
