Henrico County has officially received operational responsibility for its multimillion-dollar reservoir facility in Cumberland County. That means the county’s department of public utilities is preparing to bring the new water source online.
The 1,117-acre reservoir can store nearly 15 billion gallons of water to increase capacity throughout the region or release it into the James River to maintain its flow during dry periods.
According to the county, this facility will be the largest reservoir in Virginia once it’s complete. The forward-looking vision set forth by Henrico County’s Board of Supervisors, along with former County Manager Virgil R. Hazelett, was born more than two decades ago.
Hazelett, who served the county from 1992 until 2013, was in attendance Tuesday as Cobbs Creek Reservoir was officially named the Virgil R. Hazelett Reservoir at Cobbs Creek in his honor.
“Virgil, you didn’t just help build the foundation of Henrico, you helped secure its long-term success,” said Tyrone Nelson, chairman of Henrico’s board. “In all its vastness, the Virgil R. Hazelett Reservoir at Cobbs Creek is a reminder that leadership always sees beyond the horizon.”
The reservoir is expected to help meet the county’s water needs for decades, as Nelson explained, because it authorizes the county to draw an additional 47 million gallons per day from the river.
In addition, the facility is designed to support James's health. The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries has partnered with Henrico to stock the reservoir with fish, and timber from the surrounding development will be used to build underwater habitats.
Once it’s filled, a portion of the Hazelett reservoir will also be used for fishing, swimming and boating.
Organizations like the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, James River Association and the Environmental Integrity Project have previously voiced concerns with Henrico's pollutant and sustainability issues, and the county has since made progress incorporating eco-friendly initiatives through its Environmental Action Resource Team.
County Manager John Vithoulkas commended Henrico leaders’ vision and commitment toward promoting environmental sustainability by getting the reservoir across the finish line.
“Finally, after 22 years, we're here with our board and each of you to celebrate this remarkable achievement,” Vithoulkas said. “A marvel of civil engineering, a testament to incredible vision and leadership, and another example of what makes Henrico County a great place to be today, tomorrow and in the future.”
Filling the reservoir began in June with a test of its pumping system. With enough rain, the facility is expected to be completely filled and operational sometime later that year.
