News Room

News Release

	Contact:
April 21, 2006	Mark S. Cox, APR Director of Public Communications 382-6241 (WK)
	-- or --
For immediate release	Heath E. Covey Public Information Coordinator 382-6241 (WK)

CHESAPEAKE DEDICATES LAKE GASTON WATER TREATMENT PLANT

CHESAPEAKE - Mayor Dalton S. Edge, members of the City Council, and other City officials will cut the ribbon for the new Lake Gaston Water Treatment Plant on Thursday, April 27, at 10:00 a.m. The ceremonies will take place at the plant, 5416 West Military Highway.

Construction began on the plant in August 2003. The Lake Gaston project is the culmination of almost 20 years of work to secure a long term water supply for the City of Chesapeake. The project included the treatment plant, a raw water pipeline from Pughsville to the Lake Gaston Plant, a raw water pump station and tank, two pumping facilities at the In-town Lakes, and a new finished water main along Military Highway. The total cost of the project is approximately $69 million.

The Lake Gaston plant will jointly serve the area previously served solely by the Northwest River Water Treatment Plant. This service area is generally south of Military Highway in Chesapeake.

The plant will treat up to 7 million gallons of raw water per day, which is currently purchased from Norfolk 's excess capacity. Ultimately it will treat Chesapeake's share of the water coming from Lake Gaston. In addition, the City's Western Branch wells are integrated into the plant operation to provide natural fluoridation of the water. With the well water added, the plant will provide about 8 million gallons per day of drinking water to Chesapeake citizens.

The Lake Gaston plant treatment process, Ultrafiltration, will provide the highest level of treatment for a reasonable cost. The treatment membranes are a physical barrier to particles and microbes. They allow the plant to produce water that meets current regulations as well as anticipated future regulations.

A reception and plant tour will be available for attendees immediately after the April 27 ceremony. Residents who need more information should contact the Public Utilities Department at 382-6356. A journal of the plant construction process, along with photos of each work stage, is available for viewing on CityOfChesapeake.net.