Applications opened Friday for financial assistance for locals who were financially affected by the city's water crisis. Why it matters: Richmonders could be eligible for up to $2,500 to help with rent,

That’s on top of a $25,000 contribution from Mayor Danny Avula’s political action committee, plus nearly a week’s worth of donations from members of the public.

A 10-page report from Virginia health officials to Richmond on Thursday can be summed up with one scathing sentence: "The water crisis should never have happened and was completely avoidable." Why it matters: It's the first time the Virginia Department of Health has officially said the city's preparation was so insufficient it may have violated state law and regulations.

Richmond’s recent water crisis left residents scrambling for drinkable water for days after a winter storm knocked out power at the water treatment plant, triggering a backup system failure and major flooding.

In response to the financial impact of the water crisis, the City of Richmond has partnered with United Way of Greater Richmond and Petersburg to launch the “Water Crisis Fund.”