By 2031, Henrico will be able to pump enough water to supply the entire county through a new $303-million water transmission main. The pipeline, which Henrico’s Board of Supervisors approved on Sept. 23, will connect the county’s water treatment plant in the West End to residences and businesses in Eastern Henrico. But Henrico still plans to honor the county’s contract with Richmond, which extends until 2040, meaning that despite the new pipeline, Henrico will continue to purchase water from Richmond for years. However, the transmission main is necessary for the county, said Henrico County Manager John Vithoulkas, as it ensures that Henrico can provide all of its residents with water in case Richmond’s water plant fails. In 2045, the county also plans to build another 36-inch pipeline for $263 million to accommodate any future population growth in Eastern Henrico and to possibly sell water to other nearby localities such as Hanover.