County joins other jurisdictions to end water rationing
By Greg Pearson STAFF WRITER

After 12 weeks of mandatory water restrictions, Chesterfield has cancelled its odd-even plan as water flows in Lake Chesdin, the Swift Creek Reservoir and the James River return to normal. Surrounding jurisdictions have also terminated their watering controls.

"Water levels in Lake Chesdin have been restored to basically being full…and the water flows appear to have recovered in the James River to above levels that would trigger restrictions," said Roy Covington, the county's director of utilities.

On Oct. 15 when the restrictions were enacted, the most critical shortage was at Lake Chesdin, which provides about 45 percent of the county's water needs. As measured at the Richmond airport, rainfall for 2007 for metro Richmond ended at 37.9 inches, six inches below normal.

The county issued 216 assessments for water restriction violations, totaling $22,400 in fines that were added to water bills. Eight of the violators were fined for a second infraction, costing a total of $300 each. The first penalty was $100, and the second violation cost an additional $200.

According to Jeff Franklin, assistant director of finance and administration for the utilities department, 70 violators notified the County Attorney's Office of their intention to appeal the fine. After further investigation, 25 fines were waived, 31 customers decided to accept the fine and 14 persons are taking their objections to the fines to court.

Most of the fines were levied when neighbors reported the violators. Other violations were witnessed by department employees and some county police officers.

Restrictions were not imposed on residences and businesses that use well water. Generally, homeowners and businesses were not allowed to water yards and landscaping on Mondays while odd numbered property addresses could water on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and even addresses on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.