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A failure at Richmond’s water treatment plant forced Virginia lawmakers to sharply curtail the opening days of the 2025 General Assembly session, closing government buildings and delaying most legislative work until at least Monday, Jan. 13.

The disruption began as Winter Storm Blair brought the region its first significant snowfall in several years. Legislators and staff had been advised to reach Richmond early for the session’s scheduled Jan. 8 opening.

The storm knocked out power at the city’s water treatment plant Monday morning. A separate equipment failure then slowed efforts to restore service.

Richmond issued a boil-water advisory by Monday afternoon as residents and businesses across central Virginia experienced low pressure or lost water service entirely.

The General Assembly Building and other state government buildings closed to the public Tuesday. Late that night, House Clerk Paul Nardo informed delegates and staff that the Capitol grounds and General Assembly Building would remain closed through Jan. 13 at the earliest.

The notice cited health and safety risks caused by the lack of potable water and water needed to flush toilets, wash hands and support fire-suppression systems. Committee meetings and other legislative business were canceled for the remainder of the week.

Lawmakers still met their constitutional obligation to open the session. At noon Wednesday, House Speaker Don Scott gaveled the House into session with a quorum present, while the Senate convened in its chamber.

House members approved two procedural resolutions before entering an extended recess, with plans to reconvene Monday.