Naturally Speaking: Brantley Bissette on "Replenishing Groundwater, Restoring Ecosystems and Protect

HRSD’s Sustainable Water Initiative for Tomorrow (SWIFT) is an innovative water treatment initiative in eastern Virginia designed to ensure a sustainable source of groundwater while addressing environmental challenges such as Chesapeake Bay restoration, sea level rise and saltwater intrusion. The multi-year initiative will take already highly treated wastewater (that would otherwise be discharged into the Elizabeth, James or York rivers) through additional advanced water treatment to produce drinking quality water. This SWIFT Water™ will then be treated to match the existing groundwater chemistry and added to the Potomac Aquifer, the primary source of groundwater throughout eastern Virginia.

SWIFT is designed to (1) help the Bay by significantly reducing the amount of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus that HRSD discharges to the James, Elizabeth and York rivers, (2) replenish our dwindling groundwater supply, allowing this natural resource to remain productive for generations to come, (3) fight sea level rise by reducing the rate at which land is sinking in Hampton Roads, (4) protect groundwater from saltwater intrusion due to a shrinking aquifer; and (5) support Virginia’s economy by providing businesses with the water they need to operate.

You may also like the following events from The Virginia Living Museum:

• This Wednesday, 21st May, 09:30 am, Early Learners: Dino-Mite Discovery in Newport News
• This Friday, 23rd May, 05:30 pm, Member Preview: Dinosaur Quest in Newport News
• This Saturday, 24th May, 09:00 am, Summer Exhibit: Dinosaur Quest in Newport News