Virginia American Water, the drinking water utility for Alexandria, has agreed to a settlement that sets a lower rate increase than originally proposed.
The June 5 settlement with the State Corporation Commission, City of Alexandria, City of Hopewell and Prince George County allows Virginia American Water to increase its revenues by $16 million annually, which is less than the $22 million the utility requested.
A drought watch with a call for voluntary water conservation has been issued for the D.C. region today (June 3).
The Metropolitan Council of Governments Drought Coordination Committee recommended the drought watch, which increases coordination, communications and monitoring of the water supply. Precipitation, groundwater levels, streamflow and reservoir levels are factors in COG’s decision to declare a drought watch.
This story was updated to clarify that Virginia American Water provides drinking water services, and AlexRenew provides wastewater services in Alexandria.
Alexandria is in the midst of another water fight over a proposed rate increase by drinking water utility Virginia American Water.
Virginia American Water will embark next week on a six-month, $3 million water main replacement project affecting six street segments in Alexandria.
The project will replace 5,000 feet of aging four-inch and six-inch cast iron pipes at the end of their lifespan with modern eight-inch ductile iron pipe. The water main replacement and associated street restoration is expected to wrap in September, with contractor Utilities Unlimited working 7 a.m.-7 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The Virginia Department of Health is advising people to avoid contact with the Potomac River following a massive sewage pipe rupture last month.
Recreational activities like swimming and kayaking should be avoided out of caution to prevent illness, VDH said in a release yesterday.
Alexandria residents have until next Friday to submit feedback on the city’s developing Taylor Run Infrastructure Stabilization Project plans.
Currently at 30% design completion, the project is focused on “protecting critical, at-risk stormwater and sanitary sewer infrastructure, through a targeted, minimal intervention approach,” according to a city announcement. The full design is anticipated to be complete by September 2026, with construction commencing one month later.
Emergency repairs will be made on a leaking valve replacement today in Alexandria’s Parkfairfax neighborhood, and it could result in some discolored water or no water at all for a short period.
The utility advised residents in the areas of Preston Road, Coryell Lane, and Martha Custis Drive might see “discolored or cloudy water, low water pressure, or no water” from the time that the project starts Tuesday, Sept. 2 at 9 p.m. until it concludes at 6 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 3.
