By: Maria-Paula
The Henrico and Hanover county boards recently held a joint consultative meeting to discuss regional collaboration in the public water service. This was the first time the boards came together to solve the localities’ water crisis.
Following two major boil water advisories in the last six months, the main aim of the collaboration was to discuss how Henrico and Hanover counties can work together on public water service to improve the water treatment plant.
Henrico and Hanover counties have, for three decades, had water contracts with Richmond. This has ensured a constant supply of water daily in millions of gallons to residents.
“Water supply to our residents, to our visitors, to our businesses knows no boundaries, it does not. All residents want the same thing. They want reliable, redundant, safe water, they all do,” said Henrico Board of Supervisors Chairperson Daniel Schmitt.
Hanover Board of Supervisors Chairperson Michael Herzberg hailed the unique opportunity for neighboring communities to come together and to build upon the great relationships that residents already formed.
As counties boards came together to discuss their public water services, officials came up with strong ideas of a joint regional water commission for Hanover, Henrico, Richmond and Chesterfield since all regions faced the same water challenges. Another prime area earmarked for possible collaboration in the project is Capital Region Airport, according to Sean Davis, vice chair, Hanover Board of Supervisors.
“They’re successful because we have a joint constituency, and we have a joint desire to get the job done,” Davis said.
While these conversations are still in the early stages, the Henrico County Manager, John Vithoulkas, mentioned the hope of having some concrete plans by the end of the year as Susan Dibble , a member of the Hanover Board of Supervisors talked about the January water crisis when residents were most vulnerable with little control. All efforts are geared towards curbing a repeat of such a crisis.
“Water supply to our residents, to our visitors, to our businesses knows no boundaries, it does not. All residents want the same thing: they want reliable, redundant, safe water, they all do,” said Daniel Schmitt, chair, Henrico Board of Supervisors.
According to the report, the city struggled most with coordination and communication following the far stretched January water crisis. Recommendations outlining shift expectations and protocol for the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and streamlining communication between the EOC and city leadership topped the list of solutions.
Due to the emphasis of the importance of the event which took place at Henrico Sports & Events Center in Glen Allen.
