Ragged Mountain Reservoir Pool Fill Project

 

In 2002, the Central Virginia Region experienced a historical drought of record. This drought and the water supply needs of the Charlottesville/Albemarle region sparked a decade-long water supply planning process (2002-2012). The community evaluated future water needs and developed the Community Water Supply Plan, which was approved in 2012. The plan called for several projects and upgrades to secure the water supply for the City of Charlottesville and the County of Albemarle.  In 2003, the Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority initiated engineering investigations to identify and implement upgrades to the Ragged Mountain Reservoir Property. This upgrade would address future water needs and incorporate new dam regulations. At that time, the Ragged Mountain Reservoir had two dams, the Upper Ragged Mountain Dam and Lower Ragged Mountain Dam.  They were originally constructed in 1887 and 1908. New national standards for dam spillway capacities required that the dams be modified to remain in compliance. Rivanna ultimately decided to pursue the construction of a new, single dam to increase the community’s water supply and meet the latest standards.

Construction of the present-day dam began in 2012 and concluded in 2014. The earthen dam was built to support a potential pool level of 683 feet, a substantial increase over the previous Lower Ragged Mountain Dam, which had a normal pool level of 641 feet. The dam was constructed of soils obtained from the property. The foundation of the dam includes a drilled grout curtain beneath the dam centerline. Based on the 2012 Ragged Mountain Dam Project Agreement, the reservoir was filled to a normal pool level of 671 feet.

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 agreement that will allow RWSA to fully utilize the water storage capacity of the Ragged Mountain Reservoir and raise the pool level from 671 feet to 683 feet. The additional twelve feet will increase the reservoir’s water reserves by 700 million gallons. When filled to the new level, Ragged Mountain Reservoir will hold 2.1 billion gallons of water.

Ragged Mountain Pool Fill Project

RWSA expects to begin construction on this project in the Fall of 2025 and anticipates completion in December of 2026. The work will require clearing trees and vegetation around the reservoir, modifications to the water intake tower, and a subsurface blanket drain at the right abutment of the dam. The project was awarded to Faulconer Construction Company in June of 2025 for $11,018,050.

Benefits

• Increased Water Storage Reserves: By allowing the reservoir to fill to its fullest capacity, RWSA reserves will be capable of providing drinking water to the urban area during periods of uncertain and changing climate conditions and extended droughts or incidents. Raising the pool level will add 700 million gallons of water.
• Improvements for Recreation Activities: Improved boat ramp facilities will provide safe and easy access to the reservoir. When full, the added volume of water will expand the reservoir’s surface area, providing boaters with additional space to paddle and fish.
• Additional Parking: The project includes provisions for additional parking along Reservoir Road.

Temporary Impacts

• Water Access: To minimize potential impacts to the trails surrounding the Ragged Mountain Reservoir, floating barges will transport tree-clearing equipment across the reservoir. This unique approach prevents the need to build temporary access roads that could easily damage or destroy trails. Due to safety concerns, water access may be restricted or prohibited during times of construction activity.
• Trail Access: Intermittent trail closures are anticipated. These closures are meant to protect individuals from construction activities. Trail signage will provide advance notice prior to the closures. This 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.

  

• Parking Access: To minimize the environmental impact of transportation activities, RWSA plans to utilize fill dirt from the property for the new blanket drain. Dirt adjacent to the lower parking lot will be used for this. During this period, the lower lot will be closed to the public.

Schedule

• Fall 2025: Tree clearing operations are expected to begin. Tree clearing efforts are permitted from November 15 to March 31 to coincide with the Northern Long-eared Bat inactive season. The protected species are likely to be in caves rather than forested habitats and thus not affected by the tree clearing efforts. Burning operations are permitted through February 14.
• Spring 2026: Burning operations will resume on May 1st and continue into the fall.

  

Frequently Asked Questions

• • Q: Why can’t RWSA just leave the trees and fill the reservoir?
    • A: Guidance provided by the Virginia Department of Health recommends that trees be removed prior to filling the reservoir. Decaying trees and leaves can have a negative impact on the water quality.  By removing these organics, RWSA’s water treatment processes will continue to provide clean and safe drinking water.
  • Q: How many trees will need to be removed?
    • A: The new pool level will rest at 683′ above sea level.  Trees along the shoreline that fall below this elevation will be removed. At a minimum, a 12′ clearing will occur. Clearing width can vary dramatically depending on the slope of the shoreline.
  • Q: How will the trees be disposed of?
    • • A: The contractor has agreed to harvest and log portions of the timber. Several of these trees will go to the City’s Milling Program. Vegetation not suitable for harvesting will be burned on-site in burn boxes. Special burn boxes will be used to promote clean and efficient burning. Forced air blowers contained in the boxes will cause the fire to burn hotter, reducing the potential for unsightly smoke.