Imagine being fired for a crisis you didn't cause, only to fight back in court against the very leaders who once trusted you. That's exactly what's happening in Richmond, Virginia, where former Department of Public Utilities (DPU) Director April Bingham is suing Mayor Danny Avula and two other city officials over her termination. But here's where it gets controversial: Was Bingham truly at fault for the city's water crisis, or is she being made a scapegoat for systemic failures? Let’s dive into the details.
In January 2025, a severe winter storm knocked out power at Richmond’s water treatment plant, triggering a cascade of failures in the backup systems. The result? Nearly a week without drinkable water for the city and surrounding counties. Bingham, who had been at the helm of the DPU since December 2021, was terminated shortly after the crisis. Now, she’s alleging wrongful termination in a lawsuit that has the community buzzing.
And this is the part most people miss: Bingham’s lawsuit isn’t just about her job—it’s a challenge to the city’s handling of the crisis and the decisions that led to her dismissal. According to the Richmond Times-Dispatch, which broke the story, Bingham claims she was unfairly targeted despite her efforts to address the issues. This raises a critical question: Who is truly accountable when infrastructure fails?
Bingham’s journey to this point is worth noting. Before becoming DPU director, she served as the deputy director of customer service starting in February 2020. Appointed by former Mayor Levar Stoney, she was seen as a capable leader until the crisis unfolded. In a candid interview with CBS 6 reporter Tyler Layne in March 2025, Bingham stated, 'I hold no regrets,' a sentiment that underscores her belief in her actions during the crisis.
Here’s where it gets even more intriguing: While Bingham’s termination was widely publicized, the underlying issues that led to the water crisis—such as aging infrastructure and potential oversight—have received less scrutiny. Could this lawsuit force the city to confront these deeper problems? Or will it remain a battle of blame?
As this story continues to develop, one thing is clear: Bingham’s lawsuit is more than a personal fight—it’s a spotlight on the complexities of leadership and accountability in times of crisis. What do you think? Was Bingham unfairly terminated, or should she have taken more responsibility for the water crisis? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
For updates on this unfolding story, connect with us on Blue Sky, Facebook, Instagram, X, Threads, TikTok, and YouTube. And if you have additional information, don’t hesitate to reach out to the CBS 6 Newsroom.
Copyright 2026 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
