Healthy Rivers
All Virginian's benefit from the protection of our streams, rivers and wetlands. Clean water is vital for a healthy environment and thriving communities.
The role of water in our lives cannot be ignored. Healthy rivers help provide safe drinking water and allow humans to enjoy the benefits of water based recreation. Additionally, clean water is imperative to the protection of wildlife and ecosystems, including commercial fisheries. Low impact development (LID) is essential because it helps reduce water contamination by stormwater runoff (the only growing source of water pollution in Virginia's Chesapeake rivers), while providing financial and aesthetic benefits. LID can also help protect water sources by removing pollutants and stabilizing ecosystems.[2 EPA - Low Impact Development. 2008 Action Strategy for Green Infrastructure.] A second water concern stems from emerging contaminants. This type of pollution exists when pharmaceuticals and other chemicals end up in water sources and remain unfiltered by water treatment facilities. In sum, the importance of clean water and solid environmental policies cannot be ignored due to the importance of fresh water supplies and the benefits of safe rivers and streams.
Uranium Mining
Learn about the uranium mining process, the harmful consequences associated with uranium mining, and what you can do to prevent the moratorium from being lifted in Virginia.
Agricultural Best Management Practices
Virginia in recent years has made great strides toward reducing point source nutrient pollution by developing regulatory programs and providing more than $1 billion to upgrade local wastewater treatment plants.
Virginia and the Clean Water Act
To achieve Virginia’s water quality goals and remove the Bay from the impaired waters list, great effort also is needed to reduce nonpoint sources of excess nitrogen.
Nutrient Pollution Trading
Any legislation proposed in the 2012 General Assembly session to expand the program must uphold the delivery of verifiable, cost-effective pollution reductions that restore and protect water quality consistent with the federal Clean Water Act.
Shale Gas Drilling Whitepaper
The heavy footprint of shale gas drilling has the potential to impact local water supply and quality and to compromise traditional rural economic sectors.
Emerging Contaminants in Streams
Because of the diversity of sources, the presence of emerging contaminants may spike and ebb within a given waterway. The effects of exposure are not immediate and may require prolonged exposure or a trigger such as a pathogen.
Water Conservation Tips
Water, water everywhere, but is it safe to drink? Water quality and conservation have become a major issue here in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.
VCN's Water Organizations
All Virginian's benefit from the protection of our water. Click on this link to view the list of VCN water member organizations.