James River Recharge Wells (On-Site and Off-Site)

The James River Recharge Wells (On-Site and Off-Site) projects consists of the construction and testing of four (4) on-site wells, six (6) off-site wells and monitoring well clusters. This project is part of the HRSD multi-phase managed aquifer recharge program to implement the Sustainable Water Initiative for Tomorrow (SWIFT) program. The final goal is recharging the Potomac Aquifer with up to 100 million gallons per day of purified SWIFT Water (wastewater treated to meet drinking water standards and be compatible with the geochemistry of the aquifer) from up to 5 treatment facilities.

The purpose of HRSD’s SWIFT Program is to improve the quality of the Chesapeake Bay by reducing surface water discharge of treated effluent; to provide a sustainable source of groundwater to the Potomac Aquifer; and to protect the aquifer by increasing the hydrostatic pressure, which has the potential to prevent saltwater intrusion and to slow, stop or reverse land subsidence related to aquifer withdrawals.

L. S. Caldwell & Associates, Inc. (LSC) had responsibility for the development, implementation, and monitoring of the compliance program for the Hampton Roads Sanitation District’s (HRSD) Sustainable Water Initiative for Tomorrow (SWIFT) program.  The SWIFT program is an innovative water treatment project in eastern Virginia designed to further protect the region’s environment, enhance the sustainability of the region’s long-term groundwater supply and help address environmental pressures such as Chesapeake Bay restoration, sea level rise and saltwater intrusion. This ten (10) year multi-billion-dollar program has various funding sources at the state and federal level and is scheduled to be completed in 2030.