FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 10, 2026

Stay Safe Around Frozen Reservoirs

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – Due to prolonged freezing temperatures, several reservoirs have partially frozen over. Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority would like to remind the community that all recreational activities on reservoir ice are strictly prohibited due to the serious and unpredictable dangers involved.

Even when ice appears solid, conditions can change quickly and without warning. Ice thickness can vary greatly over short distances and may not be able to support the weight of a person, pet, or equipment.

For your safety, please follow these important guidelines:

1. Stay off the ice at all times. No amount of visible freezing guarantees safe conditions.
2. Keep children and pets away from frozen shorelines. Snow-covered ice can conceal thin or unstable areas near the edge.
3. Do not attempt to test ice thickness. Approaching or stepping onto the ice places you at immediate risk of falling through.
4. Remain on designated trails and observation areas. Use only marked paths and avoid frozen banks, edges, or spillways.
5. Never attempt a rescue on the ice. If someone falls through, call 911 immediately. If possible, reach from a safe distance using a long object such as a pole or branch. Do not go onto the ice.
6. Understand the risks of cold-water exposure. Falling through ice can lead to cold shock and hypothermia within minutes, greatly reducing the chance of self-rescue.

RWSA appreciates the community’s cooperation in helping keep everyone safe during these cold weather snaps.

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The Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority & Solid Waste Authority’s mission is to serve the Charlottesville, Albemarle, and UVA communities by providing high-quality water and wastewater treatment, refuse, and recycling services in a financially responsible and sustainable manner.

RWSA provides wholesale water and sewer services to the Charlottesville Department of Utilities and Albemarle County Service Authority. 

RWSA manages five reservoirs, nine dams, six drinking water treatment plants, five finished water pumping stations, eleven water storage tanks, four wastewater treatment plants, and nine wastewater pumping stations. 

In 2024, RWSA processed an average of 10.2 million gallons of drinking water and 10.2 million gallons of wastewater each day.

Media Contact
Westley Kern
Communications & Outreach Coordinator
Rivanna Solid Waste Authority
434-977-2970, ext. 117
WKern@rivanna.org