July 12, 2025
Media Contact: Brookie Crawford, Brookie.Crawford@vdh.virginia.gov
Crater Health District Issues Recreational Swimming Advisory for the Gravelly Run, James River due to a Sewage Discharge
Public Advised to Avoid Contact with Contaminated Water from Hopewell Old City Point Waterfront Park on the James River to the Berkley including all of Tar Bay
HOPEWELL, Va. – Effective immediately, the Crater Health District is issuing a recreational swimming advisory for the Gravelly Run and sections of the James River from the Old City Point Waterfront Park in Hopewell extending downstream to the Berkley to include the entire width of the James River in this identified advisory area, emphasizing avoidance with the shoreline through the extent of the river until further notice. For the safety of people and pets, Crater Health District is advising that recreational water activities, such as swimming and wading, be avoided in this area of the waterways.
This advisory is being issued out of an abundance of caution in response to an ongoing discharge of untreated sewage from the City of Hopewell wastewater treatment plant. On July 11, around midnight, a power failure occurred which has resulted in an estimated million gallons of untreated sewage being discharged.
The Crater Health District is advising the public to avoid activities in the advisory area that will result in prolonged contact such as swimming or stand-up paddle boarding (SUPing) and prevent pets from swimming. Activities that result in limited contact such wading in the water to launch a boat, kayaking, canoeing, may continue with proper caution.
The City of Hopewell, Virginia Department of Health (VDH), and Department of Environmental Quality will continue to monitor this incident to assess any hazard to public health, and the advisory will be continuously evaluated.
VDH has observed no evidence of impacts to drinking water at this time.
To prevent recreational water illnesses due to sewage release events, people should:
- Avoid contact with any area of the waterbody of Gravelly Run and its opening to the James River and areas north to Old City Point Waterfront Park south to Berkley Plantation to include the entire width of the James River.
- Avoid any area of the waterbody where there is water with a foul or chemical odor, dead or dying fish, or discolored water.
- Promptly wash skin with soap and water if you cannot avoid contact with water in the vicinity.
- Rinse or wash items that come into contact with the water, including clothing, fishing gear, life vests, ropes and paddles.
- Seek medical care and notify your practitioner of the waterbody exposure if you experience adverse health effects after contact with the waterbody.
Visit www.SwimHealthyVa.com for ways to stay safe while recreating in natural waterbodies.
# # #