Bill > SB473

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 maintain a safe yield for drinking water during low-flow periods. This means that if more than 500,000 gallons are diverted daily, the permit holder must ensure that the diverted water is returned in the same quantity and quality after use, or that the diversion is limited to 500,000 gallons per day during low-flow times. Additionally, the bill prohibits the issuance of new permits after July 1, 2026, for withdrawing water from the Occoquan Reservoir and its tributaries for consumptive uses, with exceptions only for agricultural or irrigation purposes or for the ongoing operation, expansion, or relocation of existing public water supply withdrawals. A Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit (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. The term "safe yield" refers to the maximum amount of water that can be withdrawn from a source without causing ecological harm or depleting the supply.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB473