In response to the mandate of the 1978 General Assembly as expressed in Senate Joint Resolution No. 1, the State Water Study Commission has continued its study of the water supply and allocation problems of the Commonwealth, having initiated in-depth studies and analyses of basic water policies and water laws of the Commonwealth in an effort to determine their suitability for conditions of the present and for the foreseeable future.

Virginia is blessed with a plentiful supply of water even though it is not always in the right place at the right time. Because of the plentiful supply of water, the State's Water Policy and Water Laws have evolved as if water had no limit as to its availability. The Commission sees that, as demands increase, and in some areas exceed local sources of water, it becomes necessary to seek ways to ensure that water is available to all Virginians for use in sustaining and satisfying the needs and wants of our people for goods, services and a healthful and pleasing environment.

As a result of the response to our investigations and inquiries, the Commission, in looking to the future, is faced with the reality that conditions have changed since the evolution of our present water policies and water laws. The Commission is compelled to conclude that these changed conditions call for amendment of the present laws and water policies of the Commonwealth. This conclusion provided impetus to the Commission to embark upon a course of action which will lead to the development of a comprehensive water policy and recodification of water laws which will provide a mechanism for dealing with water quantity and quality in a manner such that efficient use and equity among all users will be promoted.

Two important analyses of the water laws and water problems of Virginia are under way at V.P.I. and S.U., one funded in conjunction with the Virginia Environmental Endowment and the other funded solely by the Commission.

The completion date for the first of these is March 31, 1980, and the second is to be received by the Commission on or before June 30, 1980.

The Commission is of the opinion that, until it has had the benefit of studying these treatises, and holding extensive hearings, it would be premature to recommend new legislation. The Commission will submit a final report with specific recommendations for needed legislation to shape water policy more suitable for conditions of the present and foreseeable future in sufficient time for adequate scrutiny prior to the 1981 Session of the General Assembly.

Respectfully submitted,

J. Lewis Rawls, Jr., Chairman