Hanover County’s water system relies heavily on Richmond’s supply, with up to 20 million gallons per day (MGD) purchased under an existing agreement. When that source failed, the county turned to its Doswell Water Treatment Plant (WTP) as the primary alternative. However, infrastructure limitations prevented the plant from consistently operating at full capacity. Transmission mains, particularly those connecting Doswell to high-demand areas, were unable to support higher flow rates, restricting the ability to compensate for the lost Richmond supply. As a result, despite strategic use of available storage, service interruptions were unavoidable.
Short-term improvements should focus on reinforcing emergency interconnections with Henrico County. Existing connections at Route 1 and Route 33 were not fully leveraged due to pressure inconsistencies and operational constraints. Increasing flow capacity at these points would allow for greater flexibility in shifting supply during future outages. Expanding storage capacity in key pressure zones would also provide a more substantial buffer against extended disruptions.
Long-term investments in infrastructure modernization are essential to reducing vulnerability to future supply failures. Diversifying water sources beyond Richmond’s system should be a priority, whether through increased capacity at Doswell, new regional partnerships, or expanded groundwater resources. Transmission system upgrades, including pipeline replacements and enhanced booster station capabilities, would improve water movement efficiency and reduce pressure-related bottlenecks. Advanced Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems could further optimize response times by enabling real-time monitoring and automated adjustments during emergencies.
Emergency management protocols were effective, but without significant upgrades to supply redundancy, distribution flexibility, and storage capacity, Hanover County will remain at risk. Strengthening water infrastructure will ensure long-term resilience, safeguarding residents and businesses against future disruptions.
