DIRECTOR'S CORNER
Planning for Virginia’s future water supplies
DEQ Director David K. Paylor
One of DEQ’s top priorities is to ensure that all Virginians have a safe and adequate water supply, and the water supply planning initiative underway around Virginia will help achieve this goal.
This comprehensive initiative was established through a regulation adopted by the State Water Control Board in 2005. The regulation was developed after three years of concentrated work with the State Water Commission, localities, regional planning agencies, water providers, business and environmental interests, and the public. The initiative aims to provide adequate water supplies, encourage the use of alternative supplies, and sustain the water resources of the Commonwealth by developing water supply plans at the local, regional and state levels.
Regional and local water supply plans will lead to the development of the first statewide water supply plan. The statewide plan will describe local and regional water needs and potential alternatives for at least 30 years into the future. It will allow improved preparation for future drought, increased opportunities for public input, and the potential to reduce conflicts in future permit processes. The plan will also give localities the opportunity to evaluate the feasibility of using alternative sources for water supplies, including water reuse and desalination.
During the development of the plan, localities will have the lead role in identifying their future demands, and DEQ will provide technical support and oversight. In addition, the Commonwealth is committed to providing funding to localities to help compensate for the cost of developing the water supply plans.
Early this year DEQ awarded grants totaling nearly $300,000 to assist 10 local and regional government authorities in the development of water supply plans, and this summer the agency plans to award an additional $300,000. The grants will be supplemented by local funds and are available in increments of up to $50,000 for qualified applicants.
One important consideration for localities is deciding whether to pursue development of a regional water plan or a local one. Planning efforts of more than one political entity will receive priority for funding because regional plans have the potential to be more sustainable. Making that decision sooner rather than later is going to be important for grant consideration and for laying the groundwork to develop an effective multi-jurisdictional plan. Localities must notify DEQ of their decision to develop a regional plan in 2008.
Local governments must submit their plan to the water board within three to six years according to a schedule based on population. Regional groups have six years to submit a plan. The first plans will be due in 2008 and the last ones in 2011.
The schedule requires the largest localities to go first. However, any locality can submit earlier if they choose. The assumption is that smaller communities will need greater assistance and more time to complete their plans.
Planning for future availability and uses of water will enable Virginians to maintain a high quality of life and allow for economic growth while protecting our natural resources.
Virginia’s water resources should be managed wisely, and with proper planning, they can be capable of serving multiple needs today and into the future.