This is one of the principal reasons the Western Virginia Water Authority was formed.   The Authority  regularly evaluates what water supply improvements might be needed to serve the current and future water needs of customers throughout the Authority’s service area.

This is done in close coordination with leaders and staff of the Authority’s member jurisdictions in order to ensure that the Authority is a supportive partner in the long-term plans of each locality. Maintaining safe, reliable, and dependable water sources is of common interest to the Authority, its member localities, and the communities we serve.  The Authority participates in Virginia Department of Environmental Quality’s water supply planning program and follows the Local and Regional Water Supply Planning Regulation requirements.  While the next update is not due until 2029, staff are working on it now.  In addition to water capacity, this effort will evaluate hydrologic, environmental, economic, social, legal, and jurisdictional aspects of water supply planning.  

The Authority has multiple water sources and treatment plants to meet the water demand of the customers in our service area.  One of the strengths of operating as a regional utility is the variety of water sources available to serve our customers. Surface water reservoirs and groundwater, located in different parts of the service area, contribute toward the system’s resiliency.   The two largest sources of water, Carvins Cove and Spring Hollow, are managed together to provide most of the valley’s water supply. Carvins Cove, our largest reservoir, holds 6.4-billion gallons of water while the Spring Hollow reservoir holds 3.2-billion gallons. 

Capital investments over the years have also resulted in the major sources of water for our customers being interconnected through a vast water distribution network of more than 1,300 miles of water lines which provide resiliency and redundancy in water supply.  This ongoing investment in the water distribution network supports new customers, minimizes the leaks and breaks that impact current customers, and enhances fire protection for all.

Yes.  If the project proceeds, water usage at the site will increase over time as facilities are constructed, which will take a number of years.   The Authority has adequate capacity in its existing water sources to supply the region, including this potential project.  The Authority periodically studies the region’s growth projections and assesses potential impacts to water and wastewater infrastructure.  Growth in Botetourt County presents the Authority with a timely opportunity to take a fresh look at the region’s growth and assess potential water supply alternatives. The Authority will consider ways to improve existing water supply storage, improve existing water treatment, and to develop new water supplies from surface or groundwater sources. The Authority will also study water re-use as an option for this project and other non-potable uses in the region.

Google will be bound by the Authority’s generally-applicable rules and regulations, including the General Business Rules and Regulations, Development Rules and Regulations, Industrial Pretreatment Rules and Regulations, Drought Contingency Plan, and state regulations as well as contractual obligations agreed to specifically for the project.

Protection of the environment and our natural resources is foundational to the Authority's operation.  The Authority maintains a Drought Contingency Plan, which is triggered by declining reservoir levels at Carvins Cove during different months of the year. The Authority has not had to implement the drought contingency plan during its 20-year history. Should the plan ever have to be activated, there are three stages of voluntary, mandatory, and emergency measures which apply to all customers.

Google will be subject to the Authority’s Drought Contingency Plan and General Business Rules and Regulations, the same as any other customer of the Authority.

Yes.  The Authority does not currently operate a water re-use system where treated wastewater can be used for non-potable purposes like irrigation and cooling; however, that does not preclude it from considering its use for this or any other project. As part of studies the Authority is conducting, re-use will be looked at as an option for serving Google or other customers in the future. This type of process is typically implemented at the end of the wastewater treatment process. Additional pipes, pumps, and storage tanks are needed to distribute re-use water to a given location. This is all done completely separately from the drinking water system.

No.  Like any customer of the Western Virginia Water Authority, Google will pay for the water and wastewater services they use.  All customers are subject to the Rates and Fees schedule published on the Authority's website.   

Google is also paying for studies of select portions of Authority infrastructure including treatment facilities and water supply sources to better inform the Authority so it can meet future water supply needs of all customers in its member jurisdictions.

The Authority sets rates annually during its budgeting process. The Authority has typically favored small routine rate increases on an annual basis instead of larger sporadic rate hikes. Rates are used to pay for the projected costs to operate and maintain the water and sewer system, as well as for capital costs, debt service, and repair and replacement of existing water and sewer systems serving current customers.

As it has done yearly, the Authority adjusted rates on October 1, 2025.  This rate increase has nothing to do with Google.  Like everyone else, the Authority faces budget impacts due to market conditions, inflation, supply chain challenges, labor and health care costs and to continue to support for renewal and replacement of existing infrastructure.  

View our rates here. 

While water supply is the most important role of Carvins Cove, the Authority also understands the critical function that the reservoir and Carvins Cove Natural Reserve plays in the valley for recreation and tourism.   Visitors enjoy over 70-miles of multi-use trail, scenic beauty, paddle sports and fishing.  The need to preserve the drinking water supply, recreational options, and tourism benefits of Carvins Cove has been shared with Google throughout their site selection process.

Water levels at the Carvins Cove reservoir naturally fluctuate seasonally and are updated daily on the Authority’s reservoir level website.  The Authority has coordinated with Google and does not expect to see noticeable changes to reservoir levels with routine operations and seasonal fluctuations.  Google has committed to recreation improvements and investments if needed.