Henrico, Hanover leaders to meet to discuss future of regional water system

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- After a string of water-related problems in the Richmond region this year, leaders from Henrico and Hanover counties are coming together to discuss the future of their shared public water service.

A joint meeting between the two counties is set for Wednesday afternoon at the Henrico Sports and Events Center. Officials say the agenda includes a look at how each county’s water systems operate, upcoming infrastructure projects and potential opportunities to collaborate more closely going forward.

Much of the water delivered to residents in eastern Henrico and parts of Hanover is currently supplied by the City of Richmond. But this year, that system has faced several setbacks.

In January, a power outage at Richmond’s water treatment plant left thousands without safe drinking water and led to a boil water advisory.

Then in April, an overfeed of fluoride into Richmond’s water system raised fluoride levels in Henrico and Hanover.

Most recently, in May, sediment clogged filters at the treatment plant, causing low water pressure in both counties. This was followed by a water main break in Richmond that affected Henrico's water supply.

Henrico officials began exploring the idea of expanding regional operations in February, as concerns over reliability and redundancy in the system grew.