HD96 - Annual Report of the State Water Commission


Executive Summary:
The State Water Commission is a permanent agency of the Commonwealth directed by statute to (i) study all qualitative and quantitative water supply and allocation problems in the commonwealth, (II) coordinate the legislative recommendations of other state entities responsible for water supply and allocation issues, and (iii) report annually its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly and the Governor.

The Commission met in July, September and December of 1993 and in January of 1994. The July and December meetings focused on the potential for the state to increase its role in the management and development of the state's water resources. Staff of Legislative Services presented an overview of water law in Virginia, a number of the potential options for a state's involvement in water resource management and draft statutes covering a variety of potential roles for the state and localities in water planning, allocation, dispute resolution and development. the Water Division of the Department of Environmental Quality outlined the current and projected water supply and demand for the Richmond and Hampton Roads areas. The Army Corps of Engineers presented its experience with a national drought study and new computer technology available for water supply planning. An update on the Lake Gaston project was received. The Hampton Roads Planning District Commission provided a water supply position statement.

The September and January meetings focused on small waterworks (pursuant to HJR 652) as well as on ground water issues in the Eastern Virginia and Eastern Shore Groundwater Management Areas. Proposals were received and endorsed to increase the viability of small waterworks. Details of this study can be found in House Document No. 89. Representatives from Southeastern Virginia expressed concern over the ability of that area to obtain sufficient water under the Ground Water Management Act of 1992. the Commission endorsed recommendations to ease ground water withdrawals in the ground water management areas found in Southeastern Virginia. In addition, the commission received a briefing from the Virginia, Maryland and Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives on the potential for the Cooperatives to aid in the provision of local water and sewer services.

There were several changes to the membership of the Commission in 1993. Senator Charles J. Colgan, previously vice chair, replaced Delegate Lewis W. Parker, Jr., as chair of the Commission. Delegate J. Paul Council, Jr., was elected vice chair. Sandra Batie, Ph.D., an at-large member, moved out of state and therefore resigned her position.

The state Water Commission members would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the many years of dedication and leadership provided by Delegate Parker who no longer serves on the Commission. Significant advancements were made in water supply, allocation and protection due to Delegate Parker's hard work and concern for the citizens of the Commonwealth.

This report is divided into three parts. The first deals with issues brought to the Commission by the electric cooperatives and by localities in Southeastern Virginia. The second covers presentations made to the Commission regarding water supply and planning issues in the Commonwealth. The third provides background information on water law in Virginia and potential options and structures for an increased role of the State in water-resource development, planning and management.