Clean Water. Clear Streams. Thriving Community.
FY 2025 ANNUAL REPORT
Blackwater CSO Tunnel breaks ground in historic milestone for Lynchburg
Plus, a division-by-division recap of the past year at Lynchburg Water Resources
2025 ANNUAL REPORT
FROM THE DIRECTOR
Timothy Mitchell, P.E. Director
Mitchell has served as director of Lynchburg Water Resources since 2004.
As Director of Lynchburg Water Resources, I am proud to present our Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Report, highlighting the progress, challenges, and achievements of the past year. This report reflects our unwavering commitment to providing safe and reliable water, wastewater, and stormwater services to the citizens of Lynchburg.
Our award-winning utilities provide essential services that nearly every resident, business, and visitor depend on every single day. Our staff is dedicated to providing those services in the most efficient and sustainable manner possible, ensuring that we not only meet current needs but the needs of future generations as well.
This effort is not without its challenges. Our aging utility systems need constant maintenance, upgrade, and renewal. We must address increasing regulatory demands while continuing to meet evolving public health standards. Ensuring that our systems are safe and reliable requires continued investment in critical infrastructure and forward-thinking innovation. The Blackwater CSO Tunnel and College Lake Dam Removal projects are examples of innovative projects that improve the environment and protect public health and safety.
OUR VISION
Keeping our systems operating requires a team of dedicated employees. Our water and wastewater operators, laboratory and maintenance staff ensure that our drinking water exceeds all regulatory standards and our wastewater is discharged to the James River cleaner than the river itself. Our utility line crews not only maintain over 1,100 miles of pipeline throughout the city, they are also available 24/7 to respond to emergencies.
We continuously strive to provide exceptional customer service with staff available to answer emergency calls at all hours while also keeping the public informed with timely social media posts.
Our team works hard to provide these services at the lowest cost possible. Innovation and collaboration coupled with leveraging grants and low-interest loans helps keep our rates among the lowest in Virginia.
I want to thank our dedicated staff, city leadership, and the residents of Lynchburg for their continued support and trust. Together, we are building a more innovative and resilient water utility that will serve Lynchburg for decades to come.
Clean Water. Clear Streams. Thriving Community.
We are committed every day to providing our citizens with an uninterrupted supply of clean and safe drinking water and delivering reliable sewer service and stormwater management so our waterways are clear and our community thrives.
FY 2025 ANNUAL REPORT
College Hill Water Treatment Plant 2024 Silver — Performance Award for Excellence in Filtration, Backwash
Delivering a reliable supply of quality, safe drinking water for the citizens of Lynchburg
20 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE WATER DIVISION
To read the 2025 Water Quality Report, visit www. lynchburgva. gov/water resources
The City of Lynchburg was recognized for the 20th consecutive year for providing drinking water to its customers that exceeds water quality standards and is three times cleaner than federal requirements.
In February 2025, the Drinking Water Division of Lynchburg Water Resources was notified that it, once again, received the Virginia Department of Health’s “Excellence in Waterworks Performance” award, a notable milestone for consistently providing quality drinking water to the community.
The 2025 Water Quality Report, which publishes results of water testing completed the previous year, was mailed to customers in May 2025.
Here are some other highlights from the Drinking Water Division in FY 2025:
■ LWR published its initial Water Service Line Inventory in October 2024 in compliance with the EPA’s Lead & Copper Rule Revisions.
■ The College Hill Water Treatment Plant’s coagulation tanks underwent scheduled maintenance with the replacement of their flocculator systems. Flocculators are used in the initial filtration stage, assisting in the process of removing solids from the source water. The exterior of the tanks were also painted.
IN FOCUS: WATER SERVICE LINE INVENTORY PROGRAM
The City’s Water Service Line Inventory Program aims to eliminate any remaining lead service lines in the water system. The inventory, available online, shows customers what’s known about the material of the pipes that deliver water to their tap. Because the material of customer-side water service lines is largely unknown, LWR has developed an online survey that assists customers in determining and submitting their pipe material. If lead or galvanized pipes are discovered, the cost to replace those lines could be covered through this program. Learn more at www. lynchburgva.gov/waterserviceline.
Abert Water Treatment Plant
2024 Silver — Performance Award for Excellence in Filtration, Backwash
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
Tom Viall
NIGHT SHIFT SUPERVISOR, COLLEGE HILL WATER PLANT
Years at LWR: 12
What Tom does at LWR: Tom is among the operators who keep the College Hill Water Treatment Plant staffed 24/7/365. He oversees operations that ensure safe and quality drinking water for the citizens of Lynchburg.
24/7
3.9 billion Gallons of water treated to drinking water standards
130,000+
Lab water quality tests completed
TWO GREAT WATER SOURCES:
Lynchburg’s main drinking water source is the Pedlar Reservoir, located 21 miles north in Amherst County. The city’s backup water source is the James River. Combined, they provide Lynchburg with a reliable supply of water.
676 Water service line surveys completed
FY 2025 achievement: With the scheduled maintenance of water tanks this past year, Tom adjusted to a variety of changes to ensure the reliable delivery of drinking water. He says it’s really a testament to the night-shift employees who work with him and their willingness to go above and beyond.
IN TOM’S WORDS
“I’m something of a nerd, so I really just enjoy the learning aspect of the job: figuring something out I didn’t quite understand before or working through a problem in steps before arriving at a solution. Those are the types of things I enjoy the most, that and the wide range of people I get to work with who also teach me each in their own ways.”
Amanda Brown, shift supervisor at the College Hill Water Treatment Plant, and operator Brendan Cheatham check the coagulation tanks to make sure they’re operating properly. Operators have staffed the plant 24/7/365 since 1958.
Water Resource Recovery Facility
2024 NACWA Gold Peak Performance Award
Providing sewer service that protects public health and the environment
A GOLDEN PERFORMANCE WASTEWATER DIVISION
Where does the wastewater go?
Learn more about LWR’s treatment process at www. lynchburgva. gov/wastewater WATCH
The Lynchburg Regional Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) earned the Gold Peak Performance Award from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) for meeting all permit requirements with no violations during the 2024 calendar year.
This is no small feat for a wastewater treatment facility serving a Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) area, where wet weather can dramatically increase the amount of wastewater entering the plant that must be treated before being discharged into the James River.
Here are some other highlights from the Wastewater Division in FY 2025:
■ Newly implemented progression plans for positions within the division saw positive results with several WRRF employees moving upward within their positions.
■ Through an increased recognition of hazards and thorough training by LWR’s Safety Division, the Wastewater Division’s safety record saw improvement in FY 2025.
■ The City launched the Septic-to-Sewer Program to incentivize property owners to connect to the City sewer system by offering a reduction in fees owed to the City to hook up.
IN FOCUS: SEPTIC-TO-SEWER PROGRAM
As septic systems age across Lynchburg, repairs can be costly for property owners. To help address this, the City has launched its Septic-toSewer Program to offer eligible property owners — those with an already available sewer line — with up-front savings toward the cost of hooking up to the City sewer system. This program waives the City’s “availability fee” for those who connect to the sewer system by June 30, 2026, an almost $2,000 savings. To learn more about this program and potential eligibility, visit www.lynchburgva.gov/septic-to-sewer.
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT 24/7
FAR LEFT: Assistant Chemist Emily Dugger runs tests in the WRRF lab.
Operators Greg Silver (front) and Jacob Stallings monitor flows at the WRRF. Operators staff the plant 24/7 to ensure proper treatment.
Addison Spinner
ASSISTANT SHIFT
SUPERVISOR/ WASTEWATER OPERATOR
Years at LWR: 3
What Addison does at LWR: As a proud “Steward of the James,” Addison helps protect both the environment and the Lynchburg community by treating wastewater at the Water Resource Recovery Facility before it’s safely released into the James River — and ultimately, the Chesapeake Bay.
FY 2025 achievement: Addison received LWR’s 2025 Wastewater Service Award for his contributions to providing reliable wastewater service to the city. He also was awarded the WRRF’s 2025 Safety Award for his commitment to workplace safety and for promoting a culture of safety at the WRRF.
IN ADDISON’S WORDS
FY 2025 DATA DR P
4.6 billion Gallons of wastewater treated in FY 2025
29,730 Wet tons of solids removed
32,000+ Lab tests run at the WRRF
“I’m proud to say my work benefits the greater good. Serving the public has always been something that I wanted to be a part of my job.”
Plant Instrumentation Technicians Floyd Elliott (left) and Jacob Tuell calibrate a sensor on the WRRF’s sodium bisulfite tank.
STORMWATER DIVISION
Managing Lynchburg’s stormwater to keep local waterways clear & thriving
BUILDING RESILIENCY
The Stormwater Division set its sights on the future in FY 2025, focusing on critical infrastructure projects designed to strengthen the resilience of the stormwater system while enhancing water quality in Lynchburg’s creeks, streams, and the James River.
How does our Stormwater team protect local waterways? How can you help?
Get some helpful tips at www. lynchburgva. gov/stormwater WATCH
A key area of focus is on the rehabilitation of existing stormwater ponds in the city. LWR finalized design for long-awaited College Park improvements near the University of Lynchburg. This project, which will start construction in FY 2026, will increase capacity of the park’s ponds and reduce flooding in the area. This project will come on the heels of a completed rehabilitation of Breezewood Pond this past year (see page 11).
Here are some other highlights from the Stormwater Division in FY 2025:
■ LWR advanced its Outfall Rehabilitation Program by prioritizing outfalls experiencing erosion, helping to safeguard water quality.
■ The Streambank Stabilization Program focused on protecting sewer lines by shoring up areas where erosion has exposed existing pipes.
■ In anticipation of new FEMA 100-year floodplain maps, the City updated its floodplain management ordinance to be consistent with the National Flood Insurance Program.
IN FOCUS: STATE OF OUR WATERSHED
In March 2025, the Stormwater Division hosted its first-ever State of Our Watershed event — an opportunity for the Lynchburg community to connect with and learn about the health of local waterways. Attendees discovered the vital work being done by the Stormwater team to protect these natural resources and gained practical tips on how they, too, can become Guardians of the James River. The event featured a water quality testing demonstration, a question and answer session, and concluded with a tour of the College Hill Water Treatment Plant, including a trip to the top of the water tanks.
LEFT: Alvin Ferguson, who oversees illicit discharge compliance for LWR, performs tests at a local stream.
ABOVE: In addition to hosting citizen stream cleanup events throughout the year, LWR invited employees to take part in March 2025. The team collected 1,020 pounds of trash along Wards Road.
LWR organizes landscaping training for Team LYH
In February 2025, LWR helped organize Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional Certification training for about 25 City of Lynchburg employees from five different departments (Water Resources, Public Works, Parks & Recreation, Lynchburg City Schools, and Community Development). Five trainers were brought in from across the region to educate City employees on stormwater best management practices and conservation landscaping with native plants to benefit the environment.
7,549
Number of stormwater inlets
968
Number of public and private BMPs inspected
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
Christopher Walther
STORMWATER TECHNICIAN
Years at LWR: 6 (8 with the City) What Chris does at LWR: Chris inspects 135 public BMPs (Best Management Practices), totaling over 600 inspections per year. He coordinates across LWR and with other City departments for specialized maintenance of these facilities, reviews plans and aerial imagery to identify potential locations for future facilities, and offers recommendations for plantings and other stormwater management treatment types.
FY 2025 achievement: Chris organized the largest ever private Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional (CBLP) training class in Virginia.
IN CHRIS’ WORDS
“I find it rewarding to work with innumerable systems that are all enmeshed, much like an ecosystem — the continuous learning, the richness of experience, and the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues across City departments in service to the Greater Lynchburg area.”
INFRASTRUCTURE RENEWAL
Prillaman & Pace crews install water services on Madison Street as part of the College Hill Utility Improvements Project that is bringing infrastructure renewal to ten square blocks of the neighborhood.
Downtown Renewal, neighborhood utility projects break ground
LWR’s Engineering & Construction team got several significant infrastructure renewal projects underway in FY 2025, from Main Street to Richland Hills and areas in between.
Phase 4 of the Downtown Renewal Project got started in July 2024 with waterline and sewer line replacement completed in two of the heaviest-populated blocks of Main Street. The Richland Hills Sewer Extension Project and the College Hill Utility Improvements Project, each involving installation of thousands of feet of new pipe, also made steady progress.
In other Engineering/Construction highlights:
■ As part of LWR’s SSES (Sanitary Sewer Evaluation Survey) Program, the department completed sewer line and manhole rehab work in two areas of the city and evaluated two additional areas for future rehab.
■ Engineering oversaw the launch of two new major City programs — the Water Service Line Inventory Program (page 4) and the Septic-to-Sewer Program (page 6).
■ Two LWR engineers, Epiphany VandeBogart and James Soward, passed their Professional Engineering exams in the past year.
COMPLETE
The Breezewood Pond Retrofit Project was successfully completed in FY 2025. The project introduced a range of improvements, including the addition of a forebay, solarpowered aeration system, and specialized plantings designed to filter sediment and debris. Within the pond, additional techniques further reduce pollution. Birds and other aquatic life quickly moved in to the healthier environment.
The Seabury-Hughes Utility Improvements Project in the Fairview Heights neighborhood wrapped up, replacing over a mile of aging waterlines, 870 feet of sanitary sewer lines, and included installation of 12 new storm inlets.
Epiphany
VandeBogart, P.E.
CIVIL ENGINEER
Years at LWR: 6
What Epiphany does at LWR: Focused on Lynchburg’s stormwater infrastructure, Epiphany identifies, prioritizes, designs, and inspects projects that strengthen the system’s resiliency and improves water quality. She also investigates citizens’ drainage concerns, reviews private stormwater plans, and creates new infrastructure programs.
FY 2025 achievement: Epiphany managed the retrofit of a Level 2 wet pond on Breezewood Drive — the first of its kind for the City of Lynchburg, which is resulting in better water quality of storm runoff from the surrounding area. It also is serving as a remarkable example of manmade habitat.
IN EPIPHANY’S WORDS
“The most rewarding part of my job is the fulfillment of serving the community and environment I live in. The work I do has a direct effect on my neighbors and the health of our society.”
DIGGING DEEP CLEAR STREAMS
Lynchburg Water Resources broke ground on LYHBeyond: The Blackwater CSO Tunnel in FY 2025, embarking on what — when completed — will be the most impactful project to date in protecting Lynchburg’s cherished waterways.
“It is not every day that there is a groundbreaking for a utility project,” Timothy Mitchell, Director of Water Resources, said at a groundbreaking ceremony held October 29, 2024, at the project’s construction site on Seventh Street. “However, this is certainly not your typical project. This is our most ambitious project ever … the largest capital project in the City’s history and is essentially the capstone of our CSO program.”
The ceremony signaled the start of the drill-and-blast phase of tunnel excavation that is cutting the path for a nearly mile-long, 12-foot in diameter tunnel — up to 120 feet underground — that will serve as a
storage structure holding up to 4.7 million gallons of combined sewage/ stormwater during heavy rainfalls, ultimately keeping it from overflowing into the Blackwater Creek.
The City’s CSO (Combined Sewer Overflow) Program dates back to 1979 and has reduced the volume of sewage overflowing into local waterways by 93% so far. This project will bring that number to 98% when the Blackwater CSO Tunnel goes into operation in 2027. In addition to protecting public health, aquatic life, and water quality in Lynchburg’s waterways, the tunnel also will provide additional capacity to the city’s sewer system to prepare for continued growth in central Virginia.
(From left) State Sen. Mark Peake, LWR Director Councilman Sterling Wilder, Mayor Stephanie Wynter C. Benda, Delegate Wendell Walker, Stantec’s Atkinson’s Gevan McCoy, former Councilman LWR Engineer Eric Schrader break ground on
TUNNEL VISION: A look inside the excavated tunnel shaft.
Director Timothy Mitchell, Stephanie Reed, City Manager Stantec’s Lin Liang, Randy Nelson, and on October 29, 2024.
The tunnel project was featured as the cover story of the March edition of Municipal Sewer & Water The article highlighted the City’s holistic approach to controlling CSOs over the past 45 years, which has resulted in cost savings for citizens and meeting water quality goals faster than expected.
HOW IT WILL WORK: When the City’s sewer pipes reach capacity during a rain event, instead of the excess sewage/stormwater overflowing into our waterways, that water will be diverted into the tunnel where it will be stored until the rain event passes. At that point, the water will be pumped back into the sewer system, where it will travel to our Water Resource Recovery Facility for treatment.
Through careful planning and coordination, LWR has secured grant funding for most of the project’s costs, largely shifting the burden off of Lynchburg ratepayers. Here’s a breakdown of the project’s funding:
$104M
Total cost of the Blackwater CSO Tunnel Project
$74.6M
Total amount of grants awarded for the project
$29.4M Lynchburg’s total contribution for the project
Take a deeper dive
For photos from inside the tunnel, videos that show how the tunnel will work, project updates, plus a look back at Lynchburg’s CSO history and more, visit the project website at www.LYHBeyond.org.
FIELD OPERATIONS
KEEPING THE WATER FLOWING
Utility Line Crews are ready to respond 24/7/365.
New Vactor truck helps meet growing demand for hydro-excavation
In recent years, LWR’s utility line crews have increasingly turned to hydro-excavation as a safer, more efficient method for exposing underground water and sewer lines during repairs or new installations. With the growing complexity of underground utility networks such as gas, electric, and fiber optic lines, hydro-excavation offers a lower-risk solution, especially when responding to urgent water main breaks that demand fast, precise action.
In FY 2025, LWR added a new Vactor truck to its fleet. This truck features enhanced capabilities such as a larger boom, increased suction power, larger water and collection tanks, and remote-controlled operation. LWR also started tracking data on the number of hours that hydro-excavation was used, tallying 354 hours in FY 2025.
MAIN BREAKS
No matter the time, no matter the weather, LWR’s utility line crews respond immediately to water emergencies when they happen. A frigid winter resulted in an increase in the number of water main breaks that crews responded to, making complex repairs in sometimes belowfreezing temperatures.
78 water service lines installed for new customers EMPLOYEE
Travis Henry
UTILITY LINE MAINTENANCE COORDINATOR
Years at LWR: 10
What Travis does at LWR: Travis oversees LWR’s CCTV operations, CSO inspections, and new sewer service application inspections. He collaborates with multiple departments, responding to various, often unplanned requests while keeping projects on track and meeting LWR goals.
FY 2025 achievement: Travis’ CCTV crews completed about 90% of the inspections in two top-priority areas of Lynchburg, while maintaining daily CCTV requests. This showed his team’s ability to balance large-scale projects with ongoing needs while maintaining quality and efficiency.
IN TRAVIS’ WORDS
FY 2025 DATA DR P
“The most rewarding aspect of my work is the teamwork. Every project presents challenges, but no matter the obstacles, our crews consistently pull together to find solutions and complete the job. It is this dedication and collaboration that make our work successful and fulfilling.”
67 water main breaks repaired in Lynchburg in FY 2025
Mike Pope-Key inspects LWR’s new Vactor 2100i after it arrived at the plant in July 2024.
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
Sharon
Donigan
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES ASSOCIATE
Years at LWR: 6
What Sharon does at LWR: Sharon handles a range of duties including payment of invoices, management of employee boot vouchers, answering phones, sorting the mail, and more. Because LWR is a secure facility, Sharon monitors who enters the plant and is called the “Gate Keeper.”
FY 2025 achievement: Sharon’s role requires the ability to multitask, handling phones, visitors, employees in need of assistance — sometimes simultaneously. She’s proud of her ability to stay calm and get it done.
IN SHARON’S WORDS
“The most rewarding thing about my job is wanting to come to work every day with a smile and being able to work with such a great group of people here at Water Resources. We’re like a family! We work together to get what needs to be done, done!”
FY 2025 ANNUAL REPORT
LWR’s Customer Service Team responds to calls 24/7/365 in order to assist customers with water-related emergencies and other inquiries. In FY 2025, as LWR started new initiatives like the Water Service Line Inventory Program and Septic-to-Sewer Program, the customer service team was just a call away to answer questions and assist. LWR’s communications team serves customers by alerting citizens of upcoming projects, water emergencies, and City programs through press releases, social media posts, mailers, and WaterSource, LWR’s quarterly email newletter.
LWR’s 24/7 emergency hotline
Call 434-455-4250 for water-related emergencies
CUSTOMER SERVICE METERS DIVISION
LWR’s Meters Division reads 24,804 meters monthly and responded to thousands of work orders in FY 2025, including meter installations for new services, investigations of high/low customer water usage, and turning service on or off as requested. The division’s top focus continues to be the City’s conversion to cellular read meters and implementation of the EyeOnWater app that allows customers to track their water usage and be alerted more quickly to potential leaks.
FY 2025
DATA DR P
3,221
Number of customer requests responded to by LWR staff
79
Social media posts alerting citizens of utility work or emergencies
189,166
Social media reach of posts about utility work or emergencies
5,354
Cellular read meters installed in FY 2025
11,744 Meter audits conducted
20 Confined space entries for meter vault work
261 New connections/ meter installations
Meter Mechanic Russell Jones is on a team of six responsible for meter readings, installs, and more.
TECHNICAL SERVICES SAFETY DIVISION
LWR’s three-person Safety Division works to ensure a safe working environment for all employees of LWR, from utility line crews in the field to operators and other staff working at the department’s three treatment plants. The team takes a proactive approach that includes trainings — including a weekly Safety Meeting for field operations crews — and promotion of a culture of safety across all divisions of the department by highlighting safety in meetings and in department-wide communications.
Here are some Safety Division highlights from FY 2025:
■ Updated the American Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA) Risk and Resiliency Assessment (RRA) and submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency as required to be done every five years.
■ More than 400 Lockout/Tagout Procedures were updated for the Water Resource Recovery Facility, and extensive training was given to employees.
■ Added 25 new hand-held portable radios and replaced some old Automated External Defibrillators (AED) to keep LWR’s staff ready in case of a communications or medical emergency.
The Technical Services Division, now consisting of a team of six employees, works directly with divisions across LWR to maintain and improve GIS mapping of the City’s water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure, to streamline work management processes and data collection, to oversee backflow compliance across the city, and to guard against growing cybersecurity threats.
Here are some Technical Services Division highlights from FY 2025:
■ The division expanded as LWR shifted greater focus toward enhancing operational technology, cybersecurity, work management systems, and data collection. To support these priorities, two previously vacant positions were repurposed — resulting in the creation of an Operational Technology System Administrator role, filled by Shakur Mitchell, and a Business Systems Analyst role, filled by Ash Campbell.
■ Purchased a new Cloud-based Backflow Prevention software, which enables the team to manage the backflow program better and allow testers to submit tests online.
FY 2025 DATA DR P
Number of assets mapped & tracked by the Technical Services Division:
458
Miles of waterlines
184.5 Miles of storm lines
15,206
Number of manholes
459 Miles of sewer lines
3,328
Number of fire hydrants
3,718 Backflow devices in compliance
(From left) Safety Specialists LC Campbell and Tony Davis and Safety Manager Gary Booth assist at a water main break on Fort Avenue in October 2024.
EMPLOYEE
SPOTLIGHT
Whitney Roberts
INTERNAL OUTREACH COORDINATOR
Years at LWR: 5 (18 with the City) What Whitney does at LWR: Wearing many different hats, Whitney supports LWR’s public communications efforts, community outreach and education programs, employee engagement activities, and serves as the curator for LWR’s Water Museum.
FY 2025 achievement: Whitney graduated from the Leadership Academy hosted by the Virginia Section of the American Water Works Association. She’s also proud of the amount of information LWR is able to get into the public’s hands about the department’s work.
IN WHITNEY’S WORDS
“The most rewarding thing about my job is that I get to work with people from all divisions of LWR. I have a museum and history background, so I’m glad to be able to continue to educate in my various roles at Water Resources.”
Protecting Lynchburg’s water resources requires a community approach FY 2025 ANNUAL REPORT
SPREADING WATER AWARENESS OUTREACH & EDUCATION
Protecting Lynchburg’s water resources is a shared responsibility. That’s why LWR’s Outreach Team is actively engaged in the community, offering programs that educate and inspire residents to be good water stewards.
In FY 2025, the Outreach Team hosted several workshops for local teachers to assist with professional development around water education, while expanding programming for students outlined in LWR’s Education & Outreach Program booklet.
These pages feature just some of LWR’s offerings. Others include rain barrel workshops, backyard stormwater management, seasonal education campaigns, and more.
For more info on all of the Outreach Team’s educational offerings, please visit our Education webpage at www.lynchburgva.gov/learn.
IN FOCUS: THE WATER WAGON WINS OUTREACH AWARD
LWR’s Water Wagon, a mobile trailer used to educate the community about Lynchburg’s watershed, won in the Small but Mighty — Outreach and Education Category of the Best Urban BMP in the Bay Awards contest. The award recognizes the best practices and programs being implemented across the Chesapeake Bay watershed, shining a light on local innovators using creative approaches to protect and restore local watersheds.
PreK-12 education programs
LWR offers local educators with free educational programming customized for each classroom. Check out LWR’s Education & Outreach Program booklet at www.lynchburgva.gov/learn
Inaugural art contest
LWR held its inaugural Imagine A Day Without Water K-12 Art Contest in fall 2024, requesting art that illustrated the theme “Tell Us Your Action to Protect the James River.” There were 107 entries, and winners were selected from multiple grade levels.
26
Group Tours
Total number of tours given at our College Hill Water Treat ment Plant and WRRF, totaling 391 people.
7,286
In-person Interactions
Total number of people LWR’s Outreach Team reached in person with water-related education & information in FY 2025.
174
Gallons
of Grease Collected
Part of a campaign to keep fats, oils, and grease out of our sewer pipes.
Social Media Reach 410,230
3,422
Student Interactions
Number of school students reached in schools, at camps, and through tours.
167
Community Volunteers
Keep up with LWR!
To keep up with what’s happening at Lynchburg Water Resources, follow us on social media and sign up to receive our quarterly email newsletter, WaterSource, at www.lynchburgva.gov/watersource. Water Tower Showdown
FY 2025 ANNUAL REPORT
LWR has one of the lowest water rates in Virginia, providing Lynchburg residents with a great value. Let’s compare the cost of a gallon of water bought at the store vs. a gallon of Lynchburg tap water.
A GREAT VALUE FY 2025 FINANCIAL SUMMARY
FY 2025 OPERATING FUNDS
$1.40 per gallon average
$0.0054 per gallon for typical Lynchburg resident
For more information on LWR’s current water and sewer rates and stormwater fee, please visit www.lynchburgva. gov/rates
FY 2026 (ADOPTED)
FY 2026 LWR Budget
View the full City of Lynchburg adopted budget for FY 2026. Information about Water Resources’ three funds starts at page 215.
FY 2025 RATES & FEES
How Lynchburg compared to the state average, other localities:
* These numbers are based on the combined cost of water and sewer at 5,000 gallons/month. The average Lynchburg residence uses 3,927 gallons/month.
EMPLOYEE RECOGNITIONS
Director Tim Mitchell awarded LWR’s inaugural Director’s Award to Erin B. Hawkins. This award recognizes the employee who, in the previous year, most embodied the mission, vision, and values of Lynchburg Water Resources through outstanding dedication and service.
Other 2025 employee awards: Water Service Award: Mike White
Wastewater Service Award: Addison Spinner
Stormwater Service Award: Morgan Brazeau
Field Operations Awards: Bebo Compton, Jamie Miller, Ralph Turner
Distinguished Employee Award: Sceauncia Parr
Safety Awards: Brittany Callahan, Addison Spinner
LWR Spirit Awards: Pamela Burch-Napier, Erin B. Hawkins
The following employees earned their Class 1 Operator License in FY 2025: Ken Bond, Turner Neblett, Kenneth Galvacky, and Will Lewis
FY 2026 LOOKAHEAD
■ Work will continue on these major projects: Blackwater CSO Tunnel, Stream Restoration at College Lake, Downtown Renewal, Richland Hills Sewer, and the Water Service Line Program.
■ Two major projects that will kick off in FY 2026: Fillmore Waterline Replacement and the College Park Stormwater Improvements
■ New FEMA floodplain maps will be shared with the public, followed by a review period, before being implemented.
Blackwater Creek’s re-emergence
Since the removal of the high-hazard College Lake Dam in May 2024, LWR has overseen the re-emergence of Blackwater Creek, once again flowing through the area as it did almost a century ago. This exciting phase of the project, scheduled to be completed in FY 2026, includes a reconstructed stream channel, restoration of the wetlands, and plantings of native grasses and plants that are already coming to life. Learn more at www.collegelakedamremoval.org/stream-restoration.
Clean Water. Clear Streams. Thriving Community.
525 Taylor Street
Lynchburg, VA 24501
Phone: 434-455-4250
Website: www.lynchburgva.gov/waterresources
