Water in Waverly (Sussex County, Virginia)

Waverly,Virginia is a small southside town along the Norfolk and Western line. It is an incorporated town within Sussex County and lies to the southeast of Richmond about 45 miles. If you are driving through you will notice a water tower(typical look for a small town).Water supply for the residents and industry is lifeblood for a town's survival.

Up until now,little consideration has been given to water resources.But with the world population growing,water is becoming more precious.The Wall Street Journal in the March 11th edition,had an article about how Australia has improved the efficiency and affordability of the desaleanation process and is using it on a wide scale.The article goes on to say how this process has become an important part of Australia's water supply since typical sources of water such as lakes have been low due to low rainfall in recent years.

As for Waverly, it is currently seeking approval from the DEQ(Department of Environmental Quality of Virginia) to expand their current water supply by increasing the quantity of water drawn out of the acquifier. (Of course there are other localities that are on the same acquifier and are probably making the same request.)This request has been in the process for more than a year with a possibility of an expansion of capacity within another 30 days. ( This may not be correct now since I was told this by the mayor in the beginning of the year.) When I learn of the latest news on that I will let everyone know.

With this expansion, the town can attract more industry and commercial businesses to serve the local population and economy, which is important for a town's survival. It also affects potential of land values and how the land can be used.

Water is a resource that has pretty much been taken for granted in the past but it appears that is changing rapidly.