Charlottesville, Va., begins $61.5 million raw water pipeline to replace aging lines
(UI) — The Rivanna Water & Sewer Authority (RWSA) is advancing work on a $61.5 million raw water pipeline that will replace two deteriorating lines between the Ragged Mountain Reservoir and the Observatory Water Treatment Plant.
The 36-inch pipeline is designed to take the place of two smaller 18-inch pipes that are more than 70 years old. Once completed, the new line will strengthen long-term reliability and expand capacity in the region’s water system.
According to RWSA, the project is a critical component of the Community Water Supply Plan, which includes more than $300 million in investments over the next five years to upgrade reservoirs, treatment plants, and water transmission pipelines across Charlottesville and Albemarle County.
Construction, awarded to Thalle Construction Company, began in late 2024 and is scheduled to continue through 2029. Recent milestones include tree clearing, utility relocations, and controlled blasting to excavate rock along the pipeline’s path.
“This infrastructure project represents a major milestone for long-term water reliability in Charlottesville,” said Krista Shurtz, RWSA’s vice president of natural gas and water operations.
Related News
From Archive
- Inside Sempra’s 72-mile pipeline with 18 major trenchless crossings
- Trump vetoes bill to finish $1.3 billion Colorado water pipeline
- PHMSA warns of heat risks in aging plastic gas distribution pipelines following deadly Pennsylvania explosion
- Infrastructure failure releases 100,000 gallons of wastewater in Houston; repairs ongoing
- OSHA seeks $1.2 million fine after fatal trench collapse in Connecticut
- Worm-like robot burrows underground to cut power line installation costs
- First tunnel boring machines complete testing for Hudson Tunnel Project
- Infrastructure failure releases 100,000 gallons of wastewater in Houston; repairs ongoing
- Construction jobs stumble into 2026 after weak year
- NWPX grows water infrastructure portfolio with Colorado precast facility
Comments