Clean Water
PEC works to keep our waterways and water supply healthy, plentiful and safe for drinking, swimming and fishing. Find out more about what we're working on.
Farmers are using a unique incentive program coordinated by PEC to fence their livestock out of streams, improving water quality.
Mining speculators want to end Virginia’s ban on uranium mining this year--a move that could bring radioactive and toxic contamination to water supplies throughout the state.
PEC hosted a free Pond Management Workshop at Clifton Farm near Warrenton for people want to optimize fish and wildlife habitat, as well as improve water quality.
PEC focuses on whole watersheds as we work to preserve and restore the natural systems that give us clean water.
Read interviews with Piedmont farmers who have helped improve water quality by integrating Best Management Practices into their land and farm management.
View this Fall 2010 map to find out some of the ways that the Piedmont Environmental Council is working to improve water quality.
The Virginia Department of Health has published proposed final regulations for alternative onsite sewage systems. Public comment will be accepted through February 4, 2011.
Fourth Grade students in Clarke spent the day outdoors and learned all about the importance of protecting local watersheds at this year's Conservation Fair in Clarke. Read more about the event and how it tied into local efforts to clean up Spout Run.
The long process of forming a plan for water and sewer infrastructure in Culpeper has brought some good news. Read about how the Town and County are cooperating on a far more reasonable plan for water and sewer infrastructure.
The 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.
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.
Read 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.
Learn 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.
As 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.
Farmers 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.
New 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 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.
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.
Virginia's Department of Environmental Quality 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.
Watch 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
Load reduction goals for developed lands will not be met, as new development is increasing loads faster than restoration efforts can reduce them.
Wetlands play an essential role in maintaining clean, healthy waterways, reducing the risk of floods and droughts, and providing rich habitat for animals and plants.
Learn the important role of riparian buffers and how they provide benefits to landowners and the environment.
Streams 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.
PEC does extensive work assessing, monitoring, and protecting the Piedmont's watersheds.
Learn about the uranium mining process, the harmful consequences associated with mining, and what you can do to prevent the moratorium from being lifted.
