Bill > HB387

This bill, effective July 1, 2026, aims to protect the drinking water supply from the Occoquan Reservoir by establishing new rules for water diversions and withdrawals. Specifically, it mandates that any permit allowing the diversion of sewage or reclaimed water for reuse, which would otherwise flow into the Occoquan Reservoir or its tributaries and exceeds 500,000 gallons per day, must include provisions to ensure sufficient low-flow protection for the reservoir's safe yield, meaning the amount of water available for drinking. These provisions require that any diversion over 500,000 gallons per day be returned in equal quantity and quality, either directly or indirectly through a treatment works. Additionally, the bill prohibits the issuance of new permits after July 1, 2026, for withdrawing water from the Occoquan Reservoir or its tributaries for consumptive uses, except for agricultural or irrigation purposes or for the continued operation, expansion, or relocation of existing public water supply withdrawals. A Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit, or VPDES Permit, is a permit issued by the state to control the discharge of pollutants into state waters. A Virginia Water Protection Permit is a permit issued by the state for activities that may affect state waters.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB387