Mandatory water restrictions are enacted
By Greg Pearson STAFF WRITER

The water level in Swift Creek Reservoir is about a foot lower than normal.

The Chesterfield Board of Supervisors implemented mandatory water restrictions effective Oct. 15 because of a serious water shortage - primarily in Lake Chesdin, which provides about 45 percent of the county's water needs. The request came from the Appomattox River Water Authority (ARWA) that supplies water for several jurisdictions including Chesterfield.

The new restrictions are published in an ad on page 12 of this issue. They can be enforced by a civil assessment, which was applied to at least 20 homeowners and businesses the last time restrictions were implemented in 2002.

According to County Attorney Steve Micas, the maximum fine is $1,600. A violator is fined $100 for the first offense, and successive violations increase the amounts to $200, $400, $800 and finally $1,600. Neighbors can report their fellow neighbors, and violators are notified in writing. Micas said about a dozen citizens contested their fines in court last time.

Roy Covington, director of utilities, told the board last week the water level at Lake Chesdin is down 55 inches from normal as compared to the most severe shortage he could recall of 72 inches in 2002. The ARWA estimates it has a water supply of less than 200 days.

"Some wells are drying up," Covington added. "It's getting bad."

Grange Hall Elementary School in far western Chesterfield is the only county school that uses well water. Its well is dry, according to Supervisor Renny Humphrey, and the county is sending a water truck to the school daily.

Swift Creek Reservoir, which supplies 25 percent of Chesterfield's water, is about a foot lower than normal. The balance of Chesterfield's water comes from the James River, which has also been impacted by the lack of rain. Late last week, the Richmond area was approaching a shortfall of six inches in annual rainfall.

Legislative priorities

Chesterfield is once again assuming a defensive posture in determining its 2008 legislative program. Mary Ann Curtin, director of intergovernmental relations, briefed the board last week, saying the county is going to protect its legislative prerogatives.

She listed the "key challenges for the 2008 General Assembly" as seeking more state funding, protecting cash proffers and impact fees, preventing a shift of costs from the state to localities, and protecting land use and zoning authority. Annually, several bills are introduced in those areas that could weaken the authority of local government.

"There are a number of bills circulating about regarding illegal immigration," noted Humphrey. That topic and road funding are expected to receive a lot of attention in January.