News & Features
Chesterfield Prepares for Future Water Needs
By Mark Fausz
Oct 1, 2008 - 10:57:51 AM

A new reservoir in Amelia County could wet the whistle of thirsty Chesterfield County residents within about 10 to 12 years, says Chesterfield County Administrator James “Jay” Stegmaier. The reservoir is to be located on the border of Amelia County and Prince Edward County.

The reservoir will act as a backup to Lake Chesdin during times of drought.
“We anticipate that the county’s water needs can be met through 2060,” Stegmaier says.

During the period when the Appomattox River is running full, water will be pumped into the 622-acre reservoir to be located on Dawson’s Creek. When water levels drop in Lake Chesdin, water would be released from the reservoir to raise levels downstream.

Due to the hilly topography in that area of Amelia County, a substantial amount of water storage can be accomplished on a relatively small footprint. Although taking less land than Chesterfield’s Swift Creek reservoir, the Dawson’s Creek facility would provide 20 percent more capacity, according to Stegmaier.

A negotiated deal with Amelia requires Chesterfield to foot the $120 million cost, but also allows Chesterfield access to 21 million gallons per day of the 30-million-gallon capacity.

“I want to caution everyone to understand that this doesn’t mean you will have no water restrictions through the worst drought,” Stegmaier says. “But  normal water needs will be met.”  

A majority of the reservoir will be located in Amelia with a small portion in Prince Edward County. Talks with Prince Edward have not yet been initiated. Construction will not begin on the facility for several years.

mfausz@villagepublishing.com | 751-0421

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