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Safe Water

Water flows through all of our land. To keep it plentiful and safe for drinking, swimming and fishing, we need clean air, expansive forests, responsible farms, wooded stream banks, and communities and individuals who make choices to avoid pollution.


Sep 20-30: Clean Water Breakfasts

Teaser image link to article Sep 20-30: Clean Water Breakfasts(Virginia) Attend one of the Clean Water Breakfasts around the state to learn more about the pollution diet "Bay TMDL" being proposed by the EPA and Virginia's clean up plan for rivers and streams that drain into the Bay. 

Loudoun Considers Adopting Streamside Buffer Ordinance

Teaser image link to article Loudoun Considers Adopting Streamside Buffer OrdinanceThe County is considering adopting an ordinance that would regulate the removal of existing trees and shrubs and discourage building structures within the 100ft closest to perennial streams. 

Water Quality Plan Development for Browns, Craig, and Marsh Runs

As part of a plan to increase water quality across the state of Virginia, DCR and DEQ seek public participation at public meetings beginning May 4 for the development of a Total Maximum Daily Load Implementation Plan for Browns, Craig, and Marsh Runs. 

Conservation Reserve Program Offers Pollinator Habitat Incentives

Teaser image link to article Conservation Reserve Program Offers Pollinator Habitat IncentivesRead more about a program that offers priority ranking for Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) lands that include pollinator-friendly wildflowers & shrubs in the USDA's August 2, 2010 press release. 

The Downstream Project

Teaser image link to article The Downstream ProjectLearn more about the history, ecology, and beauty of the Shenandoah by watching "Shenandoah: Voices of the River", a 52-minute documentary produced by the Downstream Project. 

Designing Building Sites for Better Water Quality

Teaser image link to article Designing Building Sites for Better Water QualityAs part of a multiyear project to protect and restore water quality in the Goose Creek watershed in Fauquier and Loudoun Counties, PEC recently sponsored a workshop in Leesburg on how to design building sites in ways that are good for water quality. 

Funding Available for Livestock Fencing Along the Upper Hazel River

Teaser image link to article Funding Available for Livestock Fencing Along the Upper Hazel RiverFarmers who establish riparian buffers and install livestock-exclusion fencing along the Upper Hazel River Watershed may be eligible for to receive full reimbursement. Read more about the program and find out if you qualify. 

Good Fences, Clean Water

Teaser image link to article Good Fences, Clean WaterNew incentives make it free for farmers to fence livestock away from streams--helping to restore water quality in the Hazel, Hughes, Rush, and Thornton Rivers. 

Limestone Geology and Sinkholes

Teaser image link to article Limestone Geology and SinkholesLimestone rock is common in the eastern United States. Human activities and new development can accelerate the natural pace of limestone erosion--causing sinkholes, threatening buildings and roads, and contaminating groundwater. 

Purcellville Protects Its Water Supply

The Town of Purcellville has donated an easement on 1,271 acres--which includes three springs and a significant portion of a watershed above Purcellville's reservoir. This property is the largest in Loudoun to be protected by a conservation easement. 

2008 Statewide Water Quality Assessment Report

Teaser image link to article 2008 Statewide Water Quality Assessment ReportVirginia's Department of Environmental Quality recently issued a statewide water quality report. Impaired area in rivers and streams increased from 9,002 miles in 2006 to 10,604 miles in 2008. 

EPA Study on Chesapeake Bay Health (1MB)

Teaser image link to article EPA Study on Chesapeake Bay Health (1MB)Load reduction goals for developed lands will not be met, as new development is increasing loads faster than restoration efforts can reduce them. 

"Poisoned Waters" Documentary on FRONTLINE

Teaser image link to article "Poisoned Waters" Documentary on FRONTLINEWatch the 2009 documentary "Poisoned Waters" by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Hedrick Smith. The documentary details the perilous condition of waterways like the Chesapeake Bay and Puget Sound, and addresses new sources of contamination 

Wetlands Protection

Teaser image link to article Wetlands ProtectionWetlands play an essential role in maintaining clean, healthy waterways, reducing the risk of floods and droughts, and providing rich habitat for animals and plants. 

Riparian Buffers

Teaser image link to article Riparian BuffersLearn the important role of riparian buffers and how they provide benefits to landowners and the environment. 

Water Quality and Land Use

Teaser image link to article Water Quality and Land UseStreams and rivers are likely to be healthy when at least 91% of the ground in their watershed remains permeable, allowing soil and plants to filter precipitation. 

Watershed Initiatives

teaserimage PEC does extensive work assessing, monitoring, and protecting the Piedmont's watersheds. 

Keep the Uranium Mining Moratorium in Virginia

teaserimage Learn about the uranium mining process, the harmful consequences associated with mining, and what you can do to prevent the moratorium from being lifted. 

Clean air and water is essential to us all

Clean Air and Water

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