The Suffolk community is invited to learn more about a “Forward Looking Solution” for their local waterways at a River Talk this Tuesday.

River Talks are arranged by the Nansemond River Preservation Alliance to engage citizens on local topics of concern.

The River Talk will be held Tuesday evening at the CE&H Ruritan Hall, 8881 Eclipse Drive. Hampton Roads Sanitation District General Manager Ted Henifin will be the guest speaker to discuss the Sustainable Water Initiative for Tomorrow Research Center in Suffolk.

The SWIFT Research Center is located on the grounds of HRSD’s Nansemond Treatment Plant in North Suffolk. The center began operations on May 15, 2018.

SWIFT is a water treatment project designed to ensure a sustainable source of groundwater to meet current and future needs in the region. Wastewater already treated by HRSD, that would otherwise be discharged into the Elizabeth, James or York rivers, is put through further rounds of treatment to produce drinking-quality water.

SWIFT Water is then treated to match the existing groundwater chemistry and is added to the Potomac Aquifer, the primary source of groundwater throughout eastern Virginia. This ensures a sustainable source of groundwater and also addresses other environmental challenges, such as sea level rise, saltwater intrusion and the restoration of the Chesapeake Bay.

“The presentation will help citizens learn about other strategies to help our waterways,” NRPA President and Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth Taraski wrote in an email.

The program will begin with a social period at 6:30 p.m. followed by the presentation from 7 to 8 p.m.

This River Talk is free and open to the public. Email Elizabeth Taraski at taraskinrpa@gmail.com for additional information.