Like many other Richmonders, Suzanne Boothby was vexed when she heard about Richmond’s second boil water advisory in five months.

Unlike other residents, she works alongside famed environmental activist Erin Brockovich, as a writer with The Brockovich Report.

“I was completely frustrated,” Boothby said. “This is, depending on how you want to frame it, either the second or third water crisis we've had since January, because we also had a fluoride issue in April that none of us knew about until later.”

While Boothby said she isn’t an expert on Richmond’s water system, she’s covered several water crises alongside Brockovich, whose story inspired a film starring Julia Roberts. Because Boothby has looked at so many similar issues throughout her career, she isn’t surprised by what’s taking place in Richmond.

“I know how often these problems can occur just because I write about them all the time,” she said.

“It’s really not a matter of if, it's a matter of when, and Richmond's kind of showing us that.”

Currently she’s on a Memorial Day vacation, but she’s reconsidering her return date. Boothby said it's a different experience living through a water crisis, having to make deliberate choices about water consumption. Her biggest disappointment is the crisis' impact on workers whose wages are at risk, mothers concerned with bathing their children and thirsty students at schools.

Moving forward, Boothby encourages city residents to have an emergency water supply plan — not because another crisis is assured, but simply to prepare. This could include purchasing a water filter, keeping extra water in storage or collaborating with neighbors to create a plan.

Boothby also recommends Richmonders learn more about their water supply system so they can better understand where their water comes from and, in case of an emergency, why there’s a crisis.

“One thing that Erin Brockovich has taught me is that no water system is the same anywhere in the country,” Boothby said. “Learn more about water issues in general, and do the best you can to protect yourself.” 

Moving forward, Boothby said the city’s biggest task is earning back its residents’ trust — especially since people may now have the mindset of: “When’s the next water crisis?” She understands that while even the best elected officials must simultaneously balance several competing city interests, increasing explicit communication should be prioritized from here on out.

“Having two water crises in less than six months is just not a good look,” Boothby said.

“If I worked for the city of Richmond, I'd be giving weekly reports. I'd be showing who the water operators are, what they're doing, how we're making changes.”

Contact Reporting Intern Eleanor Shaw at eshaw@richmonder.org