Long periods of drought over the last 5 years have caused many communities to reassess their ability to meet present and future demands for water. In Culpeper, we face additional problems with our reservoir (Lake Pelham) which has begun to suffer from sedimentation attributed to adjacent residential development. In an effort to manage and protect our water resources and to meet long term human and environmental needs, the Commonwealth will now require water supply plans from all localities.

Recent legislation requires the development of a comprehensive statewide water supply planning process to (1) ensure that adequate and safe drinking water is available to all citizens of the Commonwealth, (2) encourage, promote, and protect all other beneficial uses of the Commonwealth's water resources, and (3) encourage, promote, and develop incentives for alternative water sources, including but not limited to desalinization. Culpeper's plan will be due in November 2008.

For additional information, please visit the Department of Environmental Quality.