Charlottesville, VA… August 22, 2025… Rivanna Water & Sewer Authority will hold a Public Information Session about the Ragged Mountain Reservoir Pool Fill Project on August 28, 2025, at 6 PM. The session will take place at 695 Moores Creek Lane, Charlottesville, VA 22902.
The information session will provide details surrounding the Ragged Mountain Reservoir Pool Fill Project. Attendees will learn about the project’s scope, construction activities, schedule, safety initiatives, and limits on access to the reservoir.
Community members are invited to attend the meeting in person or remotely through Zoom. The link for the Zoom presentation is https://zoom.us/j/91052016785
Background
In December 2023, the Charlottesville City Council, the Albemarle County Service Authority Board of Directors, and the RWSA Board of Directors approved an amendment to the “Ragged Mountain Dam Project Agreement” of 2012 that allows RWSA to fully utilize the water storage capacity of the Ragged Mountain Reservoir. The 12-foot rise in normal pool level will increase the Ragged Mountain Reservoir’s water reserves from 1.4 to 2.1 billion gallons. This project is a part of the 2012 Community Water Supply Plan and will improve the long-term reliability of our drinking water system during periods of uncertain and changing climate conditions and extended droughts. More information on the Community Water Supply Plan can be found on RWSA’s website at https://rivannawater.org/community-water-supply-plan/
In June 2025, RWSA awarded the construction project to Faulconer Construction Company of Charlottesville, Virginia, with a contract value of $11,018,050.
Construction Details
RWSA expects to begin construction on this project in September, with an anticipated completion in December of 2026. The work will require tree and vegetation clearing around the reservoir, modifications to the water intake tower, and drainage improvements to the dam.
Beginning October 6, Reservoir Road will be closed to public travel from Holiday Trails Lane to the upper parking lot. Trails located on the eastern side of the reservoir will remain open and accessible during this period. Recreational users will have access to the trails via the lower parking lot on Reservoir Road. As construction activities progress, further intermittent trail closures are anticipated. These closures are meant to protect individuals from potential construction hazards. Trail signage will provide advance notice prior to the closures. Recreational fishing will be permitted on designated shorelines during this period. However, watercraft, including but not limited to kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards, will be prohibited on the reservoir due to barging activities involved in removing trees to raise the water level. The project will be closely coordinated with the Charlottesville Department of Parks and Recreation to complete the work and restore public access to the trails as quickly as possible.
For more information about the project and to sign up for regular updates, please visit https://rivannawater.org/ragged-mountain-pool-fill-project/.