Henrico to start $300M water main construction this summer
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Henrico's water plant off Three Chopt Road. Photo: Courtesy of Henrico County
Henrico is fast-tracking part of its $300 million water main project, with construction starting this summer — about two years ahead of schedule.
Why it matters: The accelerated timeline reflects Henrico officials' urgency around having a backup to Richmond's water system, after last year's crisis left parts of the region without drinkable water for days.
Driving the news: The county can move more quickly on part of the project because of a separate road expansion near Richmond Raceway, Henrico DPU director Bentley Chan told Axios.
- "If we're digging up the road, it's a good opportunity," Chan said Monday.
- That includes about 6,100 feet of pipeline along Richmond Henrico Turnpike, with construction set to begin in June and wrap by late 2027, Chan said.
- Construction was initially slated for 2028.
Between the lines: The rest of the 13-mile pipeline still requires securing key land near the Richmond Raceway and permits, but Chan said the county is on track for completion around 2030.
The big picture: The pipeline will connect the county's West End plant to eastern Henrico to act as a safety net if Richmond's system fails again.
- If that happens, Henrico could supply residents with its own water, produced at the plant off Three Chopt Road, Chan explained.
- But Henrico is contracted to buy water from the city through 2040 and plans to continue that agreement, Chan said.
Flashback: The January 2025 crisis exposed how dependent surrounding counties are on Richmond's aging system, and Henrico has faced repeated issues since.
- Last April, the Richmond water plant released excess fluoride into the shared system — though city officials said the water was safe to drink.
- Last May, Henrico temporarily disconnected from city water after Richmond issued a boil advisory.
- Days later, a Richmond water main break left some Henrico residents with low pressure.
Meanwhile, Richmond officials have said fixing its water system could cost $1.4 billion over the next decade.
Zoom in: Efforts to form a regional water authority stalled after tense talks between Richmond and county leaders, prompting Henrico to move forward on its own.
- But Mayor Avula's spokesperson Mira Signer told Axios "we remain focused on and enthusiastic about" the partnership with Henrico and efforts to strengthen water service regionwide.