Clean water is essential to all of us. Loudoun’s groundwater feeds residential, communal, and irrigation wells and provides base flow in our streams. The County’s surface water feeds our streams, lakes and rivers, provides water for drinking and other uses, and is home to plants and wildlife that require water to complete their life cycle.
____________________
“When the well is dry, we know the worth of water.”
-Benjamin Franklin,
(1706-1790),
Poor Richard’s Almanac, 1746
____________________________________
Loudoun’s natural water “delivery system” has many components. Precipitation falls on the land and either soaks into the ground to replenish groundwater supplies or runs off the land into a network of streams, ponds, lakes and rivers. Wetlands are open marshes, wet meadows or forested swamps that act like sponges to hold water, absorb sediment and filter out pollutants that collect in the storm water runoff. Wetlands also hold storm flows to prevent downstream flooding. Floodplains are low-lying areas adjacent to streams and rivers. When storm flow exceeds the capacity of the stream channel, water spills out into the floodplain. Floodplains reduce flooding by holding back water within the floodplain where flow velocities are slow and sediments settle out of the water.
Each component of this natural water system has a critical function and works in concert within a watershed. A watershed is all of the land area that drains to a particular stream, lake or river. A watershed could be compared to a bathtub. The rain that falls on or inside the rim of the tub flows to the drain. What falls outside of the rim flows elsewhere. A healthy watershed has open areas for infiltration and groundwater recharge, stable streams with trees and vegetation along each bank, and wetlands. To ensure the County has sufficient clean water we must protect every component of this complex, natural system that collects, purifies and delivers this precious resource.
Water Regulations
From 1899 to 1972 the Rivers and Harbors Act was the only Federal law protecting water. Growing public awareness and concern for controlling water pollution led to enactment of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972. As amended in 1977, this law became commonly known as the Clean Water Act. The Act established the basic structure for regulating discharges of pollutants into the waters of the United States and gave the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency the authority to implement pollution control programs.
Initial cleanup actions and regulations focused on “point source” pollution. These are “end of pipe” discharges from industry or wastewater treatment plants. In these cases the source can be easily identified and controlled through regulations, permits, and inspections. Much progress has been made to identify and reduce pollution from point sources. However, the challenge of today and tomorrow is controlling “non-point source” pollution. Nonpoint source (NPS) pollution comes from many diffuse sources. NPS pollution is caused by rainfall or snowmelt moving over and through the ground. As the runoff moves, it picks up and carries away natural and human-made pollutants, finally depositing them into lakes, rivers, wetlands, and groundwater. These pollutants include things like excess fertilizers, herbicides, and insecticides from agricultural lands and residential areas; oil, grease, and toxic chemicals from urban runoff and energy production; sediment from improperly managed construction sites, crop and forest lands, and eroding stream banks; bacteria and nutrients from livestock, pet wastes, and faulty septic systems; and contaminants from air pollution.
Where does your water come from?
If we were to ask County residents where their water comes from most would reply “from the tap”. An adequate supply of clean water is often taken for granted until drought conditions begin to threaten its availability. With continued growth the demand for water will increase. The American Water Works Association (AWWA) Research Foundation estimates that Americans use an average of about 70 gallons of water per capita per day for indoor use. Using Loudoun’s projected 2008 population of 281,636 that is about 20 million gallons per day (MGD). Projected growth through 2030 will add another 13 MGD.
What is Loudoun already doing about water?
The County Department of Building and Development has several important water projects underway. Each of these is contributing to our better understanding of the County’s water resources and is laying the foundation for future management decisions. Key initiatives are the following:
Countywide Water Resources Monitoring Program. The County has established a network of stream gaging stations and groundwater monitoring wells throughout the County. Rainfall and stream flow data are collected under a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Geological Survey. There is also a network of groundwater monitoring wells throughout the County that provide information on the depth to the groundwater table and water quality data.
Strategic Watershed Management Solutions (SWMS). This document, typically referred to as “SWiMS” began as a series of stakeholder meetings in spring 2006. Stakeholders representing government, business, farming, development, conservation groups, and citizens came together to develop a common vision and goals for future watershed planning in the County. All decisions were made by consensus of the approximately 65 active stakeholders. The final summary document was completed in December 2006 and is available on the County website.
The Loudoun Watershed Management Stakeholder Steering Committee was formed in response to a recommendation from the “SWMS Team” mentioned above. This community-based steering committee was created to help guide future watershed planning in the County. The Steering Committee has formed several Standing Committees to address Funding, Data Management, Education and Outreach, and Technical Coordination. The Steering Committee meets monthly and when special meetings are called. The Board of Supervisors approved a Resolution of Appreciation for the SWMS Stakeholder Team and acknowledged formation of the Steering Committee at its July 3, 2007 meeting. <MORE>
Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan. This watershed plan is compiling data from multiple sources which will then be analyzed to determine a baseline condition of the County’s watersheds and water resources. Once a baseline is established it can be compared to watershed goals and water quality standards required by law. After the “gap” is identified an action plan will list activities necessary to begin making improvements. The report will also provide a rationale for setting priorities and targeting resources where they will have the most impact. This plan should be complete by the middle of 2008.
Regional Water Supply Plan. Virginia requires all local governments to develop a water supply plan. The study will look at a 30-year planning horizon and identify expected demand and supply. The plan is intended to help the Commonwealth and each locality ensure there is adequate safe, clean drinking water for its residents. Loudoun is cooperating with other Northern Virginia jurisdictions, which have joined together to prepare a regional plan coordinated by the Northern Virginia Regional Commission. The plan must be submitted to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) by 2011 and updated on a five year cycle.
Stormwater and other regulations. The County has regulations that help protect our water such as the Stormwater Ordinance (administered by Building and Development and General Services) and requirements of the Facilities Standards Manual (FSM) that mandates all developments treat stormwater runoff and requires pre-construction reports on groundwater and stormwater management. Additionally the Loudoun County Health Department reviews and approves installations of individual wastewater treatment systems and wells.
_______________________
Water is the most critical resource issue of our lifetime and our children’s lifetime. The health of our waters is the principal measure of how we live on the land.”
- Luna Leopold
_______________________
What about Loudoun’s Water?
Overall there appears to be an adequate supply of water in Loudoun County for current demand. Loudoun Water (LCSA) provides water to Eastern Loudoun and operates some communal well systems outside of the suburban service area. Western Loudoun is served by individual wells except for municipal systems in Purcellville, Round Hill, and Hamilton; and some communal systems within individual communities. With the exception of Purcellville’s Hirst Reservoir, communal systems use groundwater. Initial analyses indicate groundwater quality is good to excellent. Overall there appears to be enough groundwater to serve our domestic needs; however, there are a few localized areas with supply concerns due to concentrated demand. One caution is that lowered groundwater levels, which can occur from pumping, affect stream base flow. Stream base flow must be maintained to support stream health, aquatic ecology and wildlife. Because base flow is essential to sustain a healthy environment, groundwater withdrawals that significantly diminish base flow should be avoided.
Loudoun’s Water Quality
Many stream segments across the County have been designated “impaired” by Virginia DEQ. An impaired stream has pollution levels that exceed state water quality standards for its designated use. Most of the pollution identified by DEQ in Loudoun’s streams is due to high fecal bacteria levels. There are also two stream segments – lower Goose Creek and lower Broad Run – that have a Fish Consumption Advisory for PCBs. This warning was issued by the Virginia Department of Health. So while data shows good quality for the County’s groundwater, surface water is polluted to various degrees.
Catoctin Creek has a TMDL
Catoctin Creek has been listed as impaired by the DEQ due to elevated fecal coliform bacteria levels that exceed Virginia’s water quality standards. The DEQ has created a “TMDL plan” for Catoctin Creek, which aims to mitigate the pollution and bring it back into compliance with Virginia’s standards. The goal of the plan is to make Catoctin Creek suitable for recreational uses, including swimming and fishing. Setting TMDLs for impaired waters was mandated in Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act of 1972.
A TMDL, or Total Maximum Daily Load, is the maximum amount of a specific pollutant that a body of water can assimilate without exceeding the water quality standard for that pollutant. Virginia’s Department of Conservation and Recreation has organized a TMDL Implementation Plan that addresses, and provides grant funding for the correction of fecal coliform contributions from both livestock and failing onsite wastewater treatment systems. Local residents were involved in the development of the implementation plan, including representatives from water resource monitoring groups, members of the local agricultural community, and business representatives. Bacteria monitoring has been undertaken by a local volunteer organization, Loudoun Watershed Watch, and is fully supported by volunteers, cash donations and grant funds.
What are the main threats to Loudoun’s water quality?
Threats to water quality come from many sources. As the County continues to grow stressors related to suburban land use will be a greater threat to our water quality.
Some of those threats include the following:
- Silt, sand and gravel that is transported from bare soil on farms, construction sites, and other disturbed areas. When sediment is deposited in streams it covers the stream bottom in fine silt and sand preventing reproduction and survival of most aquatic life.
- Sediment can also come from eroding stream banks where storm flows have significantly increased due to a change of land use in the watershed.
- Excess nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus upset the delicate chemical balance in streams, rivers, lakes and the Chesapeake Bay leading to algal blooms, reduced water clarity, and in some cases fish kills.
- Temperature can have devastating effects on aquatic life. Most aquatic animals have a narrow tolerance to temperature. Inflow from roofs, parking lots, and stormwater ponds that has been warmed by the sun can raise water temperatures with harmful results.
- Pesticides, herbicides and other chemicals for agriculture or lawn care can enter our surface water in runoff from storm events.
- Oils, solvents, and other harmful chemicals make their way into our surface waters through spills, poor handling and disposal practices, or runoff from industrial sites, roads, and parking lots.
- Bacteria may be present (as is the case with most impaired streams in Loudoun) in streams especially after storm events. There are several possible sources including livestock, wildlife, pet waste, and household sewage.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
“Restoring the Chesapeake Bay cannot be done with government support alone. It is up to every citizen living in the Bay watershed to become a steward of our nation’s largest and most cherished estuary.”
- Jeff Lape, director of the Bay Program Office
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Loudoun County lies within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Land use, agriculture, and pollution in Loudoun County impacts the health of the Bay. for more information visit the Chesapeake Bay Program website, About the Chesapeake Bay, or Chesapeake EcoCheck.
Did you know…?
- Four quarts of oil can cause an eight-acre oil slick if spilled or dumped down a storm sewer
- One gram of 2,4-D (a common household herbicide) can contaminate 2.6 million gallons of drinking water.
- The water we use today is the same water the dinosaurs used.
- A fully grown oak tree may transpire about 100 gallons of water a day.
- In summer an acre of corn transpires 3,000 - 4,000 gallons of water each day.
- 97% of earth’s water is seawater and only 1% is available for drinking.
- 60% of human weight is water.
- One shower is 25-50 gallons.
- Washing hands can use up to 3 gals of water.
- Leaving water running while you brush your teeth can waste 3 gallons of water.
- Cutting one minute off our shower can save about 700 gallons of water per month
- Automatic dishwashers use about 15 gals /load
- Washing one load in a clothes washer is about 45 gals
- It takes about 1 gallon of water to process a 1/4 pound burger
- It takes 39,000 gallons of water to manufacture a new car
- It takes about 800,000 gallons to grow an acre of cotton
- Ten gallons of water are needed to refine one gallon of gasoline.
- Letting your faucet run for five minutes uses as much energy as burning a 60-watt light bulb for 14 hours!
_________________________
Before You Harvest – Conserve
by Doug Pushard
Water conservation can pay big dividends. Not only can it save you money every month, it reduces your impact on the planet and can make you feel better. All without a major change in your lifestyle.
Harvesting rainwater is easy, but can be expensive and can involve a change of lifestyle. But conserving is something we all can do. It just makes good sense. Water rates have started to increase and will probably continue to spiral upwards. There are many, many ways to save water, and all you have to do is start.
Before buying a rainbarrel or planning to install a complete rainwater system look at the list below and start with one or two of these small ways to conserve. It will save you money when you go to install your rainwater harvesting system. The list is organized into inside projects and outside projects; just take your choice and do it!
Inside Projects:
- Check your water meter and bill to track your water usage.
- Select the proper size pans for cooking and save a little water every time you cook
- Wash dishes by hand, in a dish bin, don’t let the water run while rinsing and use the dish water in your garden
- Use the garbage disposal less often; it uses water and the scraps can be better used in your garden
- Wash your produce in a pan and then reuse the water in your garden
- Soak your pots and pans instead of letting the water run while you scrape them clean
- Avoid defrosting frozen foods under running water
- Make sure there are aerators on all of your faucets
- Run your washing machine and dishwasher only when they are full
- If buying a new clothes washer, buy a front loading low-water use model
- When it is yellow let it mellow and when it is brown flush it down. Put your toilet paper in a nearby trash receptacle
- Replace your toilet with a new low-flow 1.6 gallon per flush model. Or want to save even more buy a new dual flush model
- Install a low-flow showerhead. To save even more keep a bucket in your shower and catch the cold water and use it in your yard
- Turn off your shower water while working your shampoo and conditioner into your hair
- Put food coloring in your toilet tank to check for leaks
- When taking your shower to keep it under 5 minutes or shower together and save even more
- Turn off the water while you brush your teeth
- Install a faucet which shuts off automatically
- Insulate hot water pipes and your hotwater tank
- Install a hotwater recirculating pump or install a instant under sink hotwater heaters; get immediate hot water with no wasted cold water
- Check under your sinks and faucets for water leaks periodically
- When cleaning your fish tank, reuse the water on your plants
- When you give your pet fresh water, use the old water to water house plants or plants in the yard
- Reuse your bathtub water rather than letting it run down the drain
- When doing laundry, match the water level to the size of the load. Preferably wash only full loads
- Where possible and allowed, recycle your cloth washing water into your garden
- Turn your water softeners off while you’re on vacation or better yet eliminate it
- Teach your children about water conservation
Outside Projects:
- Mow your lawn as infrequently as possible
- Put a layer of organic mulch around plants to reduce evaporation
- When planting, choose flowers or shrubs that are native to your area and are low water use. Make sure to plant during the spring or fall when the watering requirements are lower
- Replace grass with plants requiring less water
- Water during the early morning hours to minimize evaporation
- Install porous materials for walkways and patios to keep water in your yard and prevent wasteful runoff
- Wash your pets outside and reuse the water in your garden
- Clean your evaporative cooler annually
- Water plants only when necessary. Set a timer when watering by hand as not to let the water run needlessly
- Install covers on pools and spas to reduce water evaporation
- Use a hose nozzle and turn off the water while you wash your car to save more than 100 gallons. Wash your car in the rain to save even more
- If you live in a cold climate, make sure to winterize outdoor spigots to avoid pipes from bursting or freezing
- Direct downspouts or gutters towards shrubs or trees to make sure this precious water stay on your property
- Install berms and swales on your property to keep more rainwater on your property and out of the storm system
- Check your sprinkler system frequently. Make sure to adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street
- Replace your sprinkler system with a water efficient drip irrigation system
- Install an automatic rain shut-off device on your sprinkler system to eliminate unnecessary watering
- Set your drip irrigation system to water depending on temperature and rainfall
- Don’t leave water hoses running carelessly
- Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway and sidewalk
Lifestyle Changes:
- Get off junk mail lists. It currently consumes 28 billion gallons of water a year. Find out how at JunkBusters.com, PrivacyRights.org and NewDream.org
- Here’s one thing we do routinely in our home: It takes exactly 1 gallon of water before the water gets hot enough to wash dishes in the kitchen sink. We collect that in 1-gallon milk jugs and use it to flush the toilet. And yes, we do the same thing in the shower!
Water Conservation 101 from Green Living Ideas.com |
 |
 |
 |
| Topics – Water Conservation | |
var sburl2744 = window.location.href; var sbtitle2744 = document.title;
  
In order to adapt our living practices to the most sustainable and eco-conscious modes for the health of the planet, we must take into account some considerations when evaluating our use of this precious resource.
Though you, personally, may not be directly impacted by the current water crisis, it is here. U.S. city, state and governmental agencies are slowly taking action to counteract water shortages in certain areas, which includes the implementation of statutes to regulate the amount of municipal water allotted to each household. Agency-regulated residential water supply has periodically occurred in the past during times of drought, but this most recent push seems more resolute, in that it reflects the widely recognized trend of global warming and a shortage of resources. The world-wide effects of these climatic changes are even more severe – in parts of the world, privatization of the water supply is a common practice. This privatization occurs as large corporations drain the water from entire cities and villages, sometimes even charging locals outrageous amounts for their own drinking water! And in other parts, such as Africa, civil strife has increased in proportion to a decrease of major water sources, which are shrinking to non-existence under the burden to provide for too many. This pattern is beginning to present itself in parts of the world where concern was never focused, and the situation is not predicted to improve with time, to risk an understatement. And of course we’re all asking – what can be done, what can we possibly do to help halt these global trends that seem so far beyond any measure of control? And ultimately, the most important question has become: Do our choices and actions (with respect to conserving water, in this instance) really make a difference? The answer is a resounding “Yes!” Our planet is currently expected to provide beyond the extent of its means, but we can help by educating ourselves, creating awareness and gaining the tools that will help us to help make a difference. So, then, the issue of water conservation in our homes and at the workplace and by our acts of consumerism, become matters of social, global and historical responsibility. This is an important job – to recognize that your actions ripple out and your impact directly extends to people on this planet whom you will never see or hear of, people in the future whom you will never meet.
Water Conservation Tips for the HomeHere are some effective water conservation tips to give you ideas on how to get started, or to add to or improve existing conservation practices:
Water Conservation Tips for the Garden
Advanced Water Conservation Tips
Homes are definitely a central place to be mindful of water origin and usage. The water crisis is beginning to show its face more in our choices outside of the home as well – some restaurants in the U.S. will now only provide drinking water to patrons upon request, in an effort to ensure that water conservation practices rank as part of their eco-friendly business structure. We have all heard about problems with bottled water, but what options are available for making better choices as a consumer? Many eco-friendly alternatives for water-related products are still in the development or testing phase, but here are some current, sustainable options to consider:
Though the U.S. population accounts for much of the world’s bottled water use, in actuality, the tap water from our homes is often much, much cleaner than anything you would find in a bottle. Some bottled waters indicate that their source is municipal, which means that you’ve just purchased nothing more than tap water that could have flown from your own faucet. And if you’re purchasing anything other than bottles made from corn-based bioplastics, it’s likely that you’re also downing a healthy dose of phthalates and other toxic chemicals from the bottle’s plastic constituents. This includes those hard-plastic reusable water bottles that were once considered eco-chic. Studies indicate that these too are toxin-leaching culprits. In addition to health hazards of drinking bottled water, the plastic constituents pose a big problem for our planet. Due to the toxicity level of the plastic, collective wisdom tells us that we should refill these bottles no more than once to avoid any harmful risks associated with ingesting them. This one-fill rule severely limits the lifecycle of a plastic bottle, which hopefully makes it to a recycling center, though many still don’t. Plastics are such a pervasive part of packaging, and until now, there weren’t many options for reusing our plastics. But industries are starting to get really creative with how to process the excess. Recently, many companies are showing consumers that old really can become new – recycled plastic bottles are showing up in everything from coats to carpets to swim goggles. Many eco-designers are also looking at widely-available alternative sources like canola oil (processed differently than corn biopolymers). Your best bets for the time being are purchasing a stainless steel or a lined aluminum bottle, or looking in your local store for companies that sell their water in reusable glass containers or biodegradable plastics. For long trips, fill a large container with your purified water and take it with you for more sustainable travel. In addition to health hazards of drinking bottled water, the plastic constituents pose a big problem for our planet. A little-known fact is that bottled water companies are not required to comply with many state regulations applied to your local municipal utility district. This suggests that aside from bottling issues, tap water in and of itself may be more pure than bottled. Despite this, U.S. bottled water sales are continuing to surge upward, hungrily consuming massive amounts of oil and plastic in the process, not to mention wasting precious energy in the transport. Armed with all of this knowledge, please seek out sustainable options that best serve your health and that of the planet. Also, if you’re still skeptical, inquire with your local utility district about the origin of your water and the filtration processes it goes through. Find out where your local tap water comes from – you have a right to know! Your knowledge base equips you to make the best decisions for your health and to connect with our planet by understanding the delicate ecosystems that we co-habit with. <READ MORE> |
|
What comes to mind when you visualize the word water? Do you think of clean, pure, refreshing and . . . available? Unfortunately, in today’s world, these words are decreasingly associated with our water supply, especially as we learn more about where our water comes from and the processes by which it arrives in our possession.
Catching the Rain. Diverting storm gutters into rain barrels allows you to catch un-used rainwater that can then be used to water plants and vegetables.Harvesting Rainwater with Rain Barrels, an Old Idea with a New Following
Collecting rainwater for use during dry months in rain barrels or other depositories is an ancient and traditional practice. Historical records show that rainwater was collected in simple clay containers as far back as 2,000 years ago in Thailand, and throughout other areas of the world after that. With the rising price of municipal water and drought restrictions now facing much of the United States during the summer months, more and more homeowners in our own modern society are turning to the harvesting of rainwater to save money and protect this precious natural resource.
Browse 50 to 80 gallon rain barrels at Clean Air Gardening Supply.
It is a common belief in many parts of the world that water is an infinite resource to exploit… <MORE>
COMMENTS