The Henrico Board of Supervisors and Richmond City Council held a special meeting on June 30, 2025, to discuss critical updates regarding the regional water management systems and collaborative efforts between the two localities. The meeting focused on the current state of water services, emergency preparedness, and future infrastructure plans.

The session began with a presentation from Director Morris, who outlined the operations of the Richmond Water Treatment Plant and the Public Utility Service Commission. He emphasized the importance of regional coordination, particularly in managing water, wastewater, and stormwater systems. Morris noted that while there is currently no immediate concern regarding water supply, the city is prepared to engage in drought coordination exercises should conditions change later in the summer.

Following Morris, Bentley Chan, Director of Public Utilities for Henrico County, provided an overview of Henrico's water system. He highlighted the county's transition from relying solely on Richmond for drinking water to establishing its own water treatment facility in 2004, which now has a capacity of 80 million gallons per day. Chan detailed the historical context of the water agreement between Henrico and Richmond, which has been in place since 1994 and is set to continue until 2040 unless terminated with appropriate notice.

Chan also addressed lessons learned from a recent water crisis, stressing the need for improved communication and coordination between the two localities during emergencies. He mentioned the establishment of mutual aid agreements and the importance of conducting emergency response exercises to enhance service reliability.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on Henrico's current water infrastructure, which includes 1,600 miles of distribution mains and various facilities designed to ensure efficient water delivery. Chan reiterated the county's commitment to maintaining a resilient water system capable of meeting future demands.

Overall, the meeting underscored the collaborative efforts between Henrico County and Richmond City in managing regional water resources and preparing for potential challenges ahead. The next steps involve ongoing discussions and planning to ensure the reliability and sustainability of water services for both communities.