Bedford Celebrates Completion of New Water Storage Tank

The Town of Bedford recently celebrated the completion of a new water storage tank on Helm Street with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. This significant addition more than doubles the town's water storage capacity, marking a major advancement in local infrastructure. 

 

Brian Key, Executive Director of the Bedford Regional Water Authority, emphasized the tank's importance: "This ensures we have the necessary water supply for emergencies, such as fires or plant outages. If one or two plants are offline, this tank can store water while we restore operations." 

 

The $3.5 million project, primarily funded by the town's American Rescue Plan Act funds, was a collaborative effort between the Bedford Regional Water Authority and the Town of Bedford. Mayor C.G. Stanley highlighted the project's unanimous support: "We recognized the need for improved water storage and suppression facilities. The old tank was decommissioned and rusted; this new tank represents progress." 

 

Beyond increasing storage capacity, the new tank enhances fire suppression capabilities and improves water distribution efficiency throughout Bedford. Key explained, "Water from Smith Mountain Lake can be stored here and distributed to the town or Forest. We can also store water from the Forest system and distribute it as needed. It's a critical infrastructure piece."

 

This project is part of ongoing efforts to upgrade Bedford's water system. Earlier this year, the Water Authority completed wastewater treatment plant upgrades, enhancing efficiency and water quality. Key noted, "Our goal is to provide exceptional service. With some assets dating back to the 1800s, proactive repair and replacement are essential."

 

The Water Authority is also addressing aging infrastructure by replacing old water lines. Key stated, "We estimate $600 million worth of pipes need replacement. With an annual budget around $15 million, it's a long-term endeavor, but necessary to prevent customer impact." 

 

The new water storage tank signifies Bedford's commitment to modernizing infrastructure and ensuring reliable water services for its residents.