By Matt de Simone
A representative of the Western Virginia Water Authority (WVWA) presented upcoming Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) involving the county’s water distribution during the Aug. 22 Board of Supervisors meeting in Daleville.
WVWA plans improvements totaling approximately $15 million that are designed to improve reliability for customers in Botetourt County and will cause a rate increase for Botetourt residents beginning in October. This is the first time residents will see an increase in monthly billing since Botetourt joined the WVWA nearly a decade ago.
The representative showed slides explaining hydraulic rate line (HGL) improvement projects to the county’s water system from the Hollins area pumping all the way up to the Greenfield tank. WVWA is adding energy to raise the operating pressure of the water system. He explained that the Hollins and Strawberry Hills stations are reaching capacity and that WVWA sees “good demand” on the Botetourt Commons pump station.
WVWA’s solution is adding pipe improvements and putting in a new pump station that will take water from Carvins Cove, bypassing the existing Hollins and Strawberry Hills stations, and pumping into the Botetourt Commons station, which will alleviate “bottle-necking” during peak times, according to the representative.
There will be a waterline replacement project at the Botetourt Commons station replacing approximately 2,000 feet of existing pipe beginning this October. A new Hollins pump station is coming to Hollins in February 2024 which will make up a “bulk” of the improvements. A new extension of 9,820 feet of 16-inch transmission main will be placed along Route 11 from the proposed new Hollins pump station. Both projects’ total cost is approximately $7.2 million.
Earlier this year, the board approved permitting WVWA to construct a new Sanderson Drive waterline. WVWA plans to build a “loop” due to reliability concerns in the area. The project consists of installation of 5,000 feet of 12-inch pipe. The project is currently underway totaling $1.6 million.
Another reliability project will take place next summer along the Tinker Creek waterline. A new extension of 10,400 feet of 16-inch transmission lane will be added to the Botetourt Commons pump station ($5.5 million). The representative shared that this project would add a second feed to the station along Gibson Lane in Cloverdale and under the interstate.
The representative then showed possible future projects that are planned but currently unfunded. He explained that WVWA is currently working with county planners to have projects added to the county’s mapping and planning documents.
To watch this presentation in its entirety, visit the Botetourt County’s YouTube channel (youtube.com/@botetourtcountyva/streams). Click on the Aug. 22 (2 p.m.) meeting. The WVWA presentation begins at the 50:00 mark.
