Civic Coffee #1: Making Water Work – Understanding RVA’s DPU

Water is essential, but for too many Richmonders, understanding how it’s billed and managed feels like a mystery until it’s too late.

In our first Civic Coffee, we’ll focus on Richmond’s Department of Public Utilities (DPU) and the city’s ongoing challenges with water billing, infrastructure transparency, and future plans.

I’ve had the opportunity to meet directly with Scott Morris, Director of the DPU, and his leadership team. I now have access to information: plans, timelines, and internal insights, that I believe should be public knowledge.
Let’s talk about:

• The billing issues that have impacted households and businesses
• What DPU leadership says is coming next
• How we as a community can hold our public agencies accountable
• What it takes to move from reactive outrage to meaningful change

If you’ve ever been shocked by a water bill or felt like your voice wasn’t heard this meetup is for you. Come with questions, concerns, and a willingness to engage. Let’s make sure water in Richmond isn’t a black box anymore.

Democracy runs on caffeine and accountability starts with conversation.