The True Costs of the 50-year Water Supply Plan
What do citizens get for this sacrifice?
- The headaches of population growth.
The plan increases our water resources by 9.9 million gallons per day. At 100 gallons per person per day (RWSA standard) that is enough for 99,000 MORE people. - The city will have the same amount of water we have now, except of lower quality. Today, the city uses 4 million gallons of water a day. In fifty years, studies predict that the city will need even LESS water than today. Conversely, Albemarle County will likely triple its water use due to population growth and development. The expansion of the water system is needed only for county growth, yet city residents will be expected to help pay for it.
- Our one consolidated reservoir will be within 150 feet or less of I-64, putting it at risk of accidental or intentional harm.
- Water bills will skyrocket
The community is already facing the immediate need for water infrastructure upgrades involving sewer line and stormwater management, for which residents will have to pay a hefty utility fee. Adding the cost of expansion of the water supply will send water and sewer rates soaring. While it is assumed this project will go forward, no one can or will tell residents what proportion they must pay and how it will affect their monthly bills. Water rates could easily double and more. Find out more about your water rates. - There will be decreased flow in the Rivanna River along city and county parks The current plan will double (or more) daily water intake from the SFRR -- even as the reservoir is allowed to silt in. In addition, the water needed to fill the newly expanded Ragged Mountain Reservoir - two billion gallons - will be drawn from the same intake source.
Downstream of the intake pipe and dam, the Rivanna River passes by three city/county parks: Darden Towe, Pen Park, and Riverview Park. RWSA claims it will allow a minimum of 8 mgd over the dam. Today, 8 mgd or more goes over the dam 97% of the time. That level of low-flow will be allowed to fall to 50% under the new plan (page 65 permit document.)
No data is available on the impact of doubling or tripling the water intake on the river downstream from the dam.
WATER QUALITY: Today, the city draws water from both the Moormans/Sugar Hollow system and the Rivanna Reservoir. The Moormans originates in the mountains and is clear and free of sediment and excess nutrients. The Rivanna water on the other hand, requires more extensive treatment including sediment and nutrient removal and higher chlorination. This plan will pull ALL the water that the city and county needs out of the South Fork Rivanna Reservoir even as it silts in.