FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 29, 2025
Sugar Hollow Dam Rubber Crest Gate Repair
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – The Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority (RWSA) is nearing the completion of upgrades to the Sugar Hollow Dam.
The Sugar Hollow Reservoir, built in 1947, holds 367 million gallons of water. The South Rivanna and Observatory Water Treatment Plants process this water, which is then distributed to the City of Charlottesville and the immediate urban ring in Albemarle County.
In January 2024, the rubber bladder affixed to the dam’s crest experienced a mechanical issue, allowing additional water to flow downstream. This event caused RWSA to reevaluate the system’s design and redundancies to prevent recurrences.
Last fall, RWSA lowered the reservoir to work on the rubber bladder and its piping support systems. The rubber bladder is located on top of the concrete dam and helps maintain the reservoir’s pool elevation.
The timing of the project was carefully considered. The reservoir was to be lowered after the summer’s high water usage season but before the onset of freezing winter weather. While lowered, RWSA has had the time to evaluate, design, and bid out the desired modifications.
In the coming weeks, RWSA’s contractor will perform the last modifications by welding together new pneumatic air supply lines that feed the rubber bladder. Once complete, the bladder will reinflate, allowing RWSA to maximize the reservoir's storage capacity.
The Authority continuously monitors, assesses, and enhances the systems and infrastructure linked to the community's reservoir dams. The current upgrades are a direct result of RWSA’s commitment to maintaining a safe and reliable drinking water supply.
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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.
The Rivanna Solid Waste Authority oversees three recycling and disposal centers in Charlottesville and Albemarle County. Residents are encouraged to use these facilities as they are needed.
The Ivy Solid Waste & Recycling Center is located at 4576 Dick Woods Road, Charlottesville, VA 22903. The facility accepts municipal solid waste from private citizens and collection vehicles servicing Charlottesville and Albemarle. Accepted wastes include: construction debris, demolition debris, bagged trash (Tag-a-Bag), grindable vegetative materials, clean fill materials, tires, appliances, large bulk items, and paint. Accepted recyclables include plastic films, aluminum beverage cans, newsprint, mixed metals, office paper, glass, #1 plastic containers, #2 plastic containers, mixed paper, corrugated cardboard, antifreeze, motor oil, and compostable food waste. Regular business hours are Monday through Saturday from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Please visit Rivanna Solid Waste Authority's service fees webpage (link) for a current list of dumping fees. Tag-a-Bag stickers can be purchased by mail and/or at the scales.
The McIntire Recycling Center is located at 611 McIntire Road, Charlottesville, VA 22902. The facility accepts recyclable materials. Accepted materials include: aluminum beverage cans, corrugated cardboard, mixed paper, plastic films, #1 plastic containers, #2 plastic containers, office paper, glass, newsprint, mixed metals, compostable food waste, oyster shells, pizza boxes, and used cooking oil. Regular business hours are Wednesday through Monday from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM. The facility is closed on Tuesdays.
The Southern Albemarle Convenience Center is located at 6269 Esmont Road, Keene, VA 22946. The facility accepts recyclable materials and bagged trash (Tag-a-Bag). Accepted materials include plastic films, aluminum beverage cans, newsprint, mixed metals, office paper, glass, #1 plastic containers, #2 plastic containers, mixed paper, and corrugated cardboard. Tag-a-Bag stickers can be purchased by mail, at Green Mountain Country Store, 5977 Scottsville Road, Scottsville, VA and/or at Brown’s Market, 2724 Irish Road, Esmont, VA. Regular business hours are Friday through Wednesday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The facility is closed on Thursdays.
Media Contact
Westley Kern
Communications & Outreach Coordinator
Rivanna Solid Waste Authority
434-977-2970, ext. 117
WKern@rivanna.org