The Henrico Board of Supervisors and Richmond City Council held a special meeting on June 30, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding water supply and land use planning. A significant focus of the meeting was the current water allotment agreement between Henrico County and the City of Richmond, which is set at 35 million gallons per day and runs through 2040.

During the discussions, officials highlighted the importance of adapting to population growth and changing land use needs. It was noted that the water demand is a "moving target," influenced by future developments and rezoning efforts. The county's water supply strategy is described as a "living document," indicating that it will evolve as new data and projections become available.

A key point raised was the historical context of water usage in the area. The White Oak Semiconductor plant, which was expected to open in the 1990s, had a water allotment of 20 to 30 million gallons per day. In contrast, current data centers in the region are using significantly less water, approximately one-third of that previous allotment. This shift underscores the changing landscape of industrial water needs in Henrico County.

Challenges related to water distribution were also discussed, particularly the difficulties in moving water from the western to the eastern parts of the county. Officials emphasized the need for updated projections from the City of Richmond regarding average and peak water usage, which are required annually under the current contract.

The meeting concluded with a recognition that any modifications to the existing water contract would require approval from both the Henrico Board of Supervisors and the Richmond City Council, highlighting the collaborative effort needed to address future water supply challenges.