Mandatory water rationing is under way

Page Dowdy/Chesterfield Observer Pontoon boats sit washed up on the edges of the Swift Creek Reservoir. Last week's rainy spell helped to replenish the reservoir.

The Chesterfield Board of Supervisors has implemented mandatory water rationing throughout the county effective Sept. 2 on the odd-even plan used last October. The rationing is required because of low water levels in the James River, which provides 20 percent of the county's water needs.

Last month, Richmond, and Henrico and Hanover counties went on mandatory restrictions.

Water levels are also low at the Swift Creek Reservoir and Lake Chesdin, which provide 25 percent and 55 percent of the county's water respectively.

The rationing is prompted by an agreement with Richmond to limit water consumption whenever the James River reaches a certain level. The restrictions are listed in an advertisement from the county's Utilities Department on this page. For more information about the mandatory water-conservation measures, visit www.chesterfield.gov or contact the utilities department at 748-1291.

During the last mandatory period, the county issued 216 assessments for water restriction violations, totaling $22,400 in fines that were added to water bills. Some of those fines were later withdrawn. The first penalty is $100, and the second violation costs an additional $200.

On a typical day, Chesterfield uses 35 million gallons of water, but on peak days - often during hot summer days - that can rise to 65 million gallons. According to Director of Utilities Roy Covington, the county's current capacity is 105 million gallons, which is projected to be sufficient until 2040.

Water withdrawals from Lake Chesdin are overseen by the Appomattox River Water Authority (ARWA). Chesterfield County and other ARWA members (Prince George and Dinwiddie counties and the cities of Colonial Heights and Petersburg) are looking to establish another reservoir in Amelia County, scheduled to come online in 2020-21.

"Dawson Creek will take Chesterfield out to 2060 [for water capacity]," Covington told the Chesterfield Planning Commission last month.

At that meeting there was discussion about dredging the fore bays of the Swift Creek Reservoir because its capacity has been impacted by increased silt from nearby development. Covington didn't recommend dredging, saying, "We're not at that point yet."

Another option for increasing the water capacity of Lake Chesdin is raising the height of the dam, which currently isn't considered necessary.