Renovations Begin at Beaverdam Creek Reservoir

Loudoun Water Authority announced Tuesday renovations have begun on Beaverdam Creek Reservoir, beginning with the lowering of the reservoir’s water levels.

Effective Sept. 9, the Beaverdam Creek Reservoir is officially closed to all users, including rowers, while undergoing renovations. The 350-acre water supply reservoir was previously open exclusively to rowers after preparations for a four-year renovation project began in April.

“At the direction of our engineering consultants, we are starting to drain the reservoir as part of our evaluation phase of the project,” said Loudoun Water Chief Executive Fred Jennings. “These activities simply make the area too dangerous for the rowing community. The reservoir will be closed until we are finished with all phases of the renovation, including planning, evaluation, design and construction. However, Loudoun Water is committed to re-opening the reservoir for managed public recreation as soon as the job is done.”

Loudoun Water Authority purchased the 600-acre Beaverdam Creek Reservoir and surrounding area in January as part of a $30 million deal with the City of Fairfax.

The future of the reservoir became the source of controversy after Loudoun Water Authority closed off public access to the Beaverdam Creek Reservoir in April, effectively preventing popular area activities like canoeing, fishing, hiking, photography, biking and rowing (the only exemption was Loudoun Rowing Club). Since then, a Change.org petition to “allow continued access of Beaver Dam Reservoir for the public” has amassed more than 1,500 signatures from citizens determined to retain public access to the reservoir.

Loudoun Water is working with the NOVA Parks to determine the best way to manage the reservoir for public use after construction is completed in 2018.

“Ultimately, we want the reservoir to be safely enjoyed by all. Guided by our overall planning process, we will balance our primary responsibility to protect and maintain the reservoir as a long-term drinking water resource with the community’s desire to enjoy the scenic and tranquil surroundings that Beaverdam provides,” said Jennings.

Image: Patch File Photo