As Virginians, water is one of our most treasured natural resources.  Whether you live near the coast, the piedmont, or among the mountains and valleys, water is never far from sight or mind.  To the east lies the expansive Chesapeake Bay, fed by rivers like the James and the Potomac. Under our feet, much of the eastern part of the state enjoys one of the most productive groundwater aquifer systems in the country.  However, these bountiful resources need proactive planning and management.

The Water Supply Planning (WSP) program was created after the 2001-2002 drought. Its goal is to ensure adequate and safe drinking water is available to all Virginians, while encouraging, promoting, and protecting aquatic life, recreation, and other beneficial uses.  The water supply planning process is a long-term collaborative effort involving a variety of state and local stakeholders. Localities take the lead role in identifying the needs of their communities and DEQ provides technical analysis and oversight.

(NEW) Water Supply Planning Regulation Approved - Effective October 9, 2024

DEQ Water Supply Planning Staff would like to alert you to approval of amendments to the Local and Regional Water Supply Planning Regulation [9 VAC 25 780]. Localities are required to work within a regional planning area to submit a single, jointly developed regional water supply plan. Please see the Water Supply Plan Development webpage for Regional Planning Area assignments, requirements for local governments, water authorities, and PDCs, and additional information on funding and next steps. 

VAHydro to myDEQ Database Migration - Effective April 1, 2024

Effective April 1, 2024 the VAHydro database has been replaced by the new myDEQ database. Please view the Water Withdrawal Reporting webpage for more information.