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.

Richmond City officials have hired an engineering firm to conduct an independent investigation of what led to the recent water crisis.

Richmond has contracted with two consulting firms to investigate both the water crisis and the city's emergency response to it. Why it matters: It's one step closer to residents finding out what really happened and why social media seemed to know about the water running out hours before officials informed the public.

Richmond officials have selected an engineering firm to investigate the city’s water crisis earlier this month, according to mayor Danny Avula.