Hands Across the Lake was formed in July of 1991 at the Brandermill Church at a public meeting.  It was organized as a community effort to promote the health and life of the Swift Creek Reservoir, preserving it as a source of good drinking water and as a beautiful recreational source.

HAL board members have worked closely the Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors, the Planning Commission, personnel from the water treatment plant and others in its effort to assure that public policy is consistent with good water management.
Several members have taken an active role in the development of the Swift Creek Watershed Plan.