1. State Water Resources Plan October 28, 2015

2. Active monitoring and reporting of water resources 1927-1960 Active SWCB Planning Efforts – Watershed plans 1968-1972 – Watershed plans 1985-1988 – Program largely eliminated due to budget cuts Rise of Water Quality 1989-2002 2 Water Planning History

3. Active planning effort reconstituted after 1998-2002 Drought – Grassroots response – Commonwealth needed better planning and response to drought – Multi-year stakeholder committee

4. Current Water Supply Planning Local/Regional Plans submitted by Nov. 2011 All reviewed and approved with conditions by end of 2013 Cumulative Impact Evaluations and State Plan issuance Oct. 2015 http://www.deq.virginia.gov/Programs/Water/WaterSupplyWaterQuantity/WaterSupply Planning/StateWaterPlan.aspx

5. Some Caveats on the State Plan Treading new ground – first attempt to look at impact to beneficial uses Not yet a “conclusion” of water availability Doesn’t lead to a regulatory outcome

6. Identifies Potential Risks to Beneficial Uses Off stream uses from upstream demand (2040) Maximum water available during drought of record Assimilative capacity Fish and wildlife habitat

7. “Conclusions” Future management may call for new tools Impacts to off-stream, water quality, and aquatic life uses in high use watersheds will require coordination and different management during periods of low flow

8. Challenges and Recommendations Understanding the impact of water withdrawals not requiring a permit Quantifying current and future risks to groundwater availability outside of current Groundwater Management Areas

9. Challenges and Recommendations Plan identifies more water withdrawals than were reported to us Understanding the impact of consumptive use on water supply Promoting increased water efficiency to reduce long-term and short-term demand

10. Challenges and Recommendations Infrastructure deficiencies Sea level rise, changes in precipitation patterns, and land subsidence Source water protection Conflict resolution Public education and outreach

11. State Plan Public comment period closed May 8, 2015 31 comments received Comments generally supportive but reflect the uncertainties associated with doing something new Concerns are not unexpected

12. Summary of Comments Recognition of the large complex task Acknowledgement that it is an important tool Uncertainty regarding roles and intent Concerns about data and metrics: population and demand, instream metrics Concern that it is not a “true” plan Concern about “resources” v. “supply” Need for state financial support

13. Roles in Providing Water Supply Localities have the lead role in projecting need and developing water supplies for their citizens (Ex. 15.2-2109, 15.2-2223, 15.2-2298, 15.2-5100) State (VDH, DEQ) provides support and ensures public health, water quality standards are met, and instream flow and groundwater are available over the long term

14. 14 Water demands 2040. Projected Water Demands

16. 16 Critical Indicators in 2040. Potential Beneficial Use Conflicts

19. Next Steps Prioritize compliance conditions and institutionalization of data systems including selection of pilot(s) for Virtual Plan testing Target outreach efforts to localities and withdrawers in high risk watersheds Work with localities/water withdrawers to improve Cumulative Impact Analysis and coordination during critical periods Keep the plan updated over time

25. Groundwater Advisory Committee 2015 Session (HB1924) Requires Broad Representation Convened Aug 2015 http://www.deq.virginia.gov/Programs/Water/WaterSupplyWaterQuantity/EasternVirginia GroundwaterManagementAdvisoryCommittee.aspx

26. JLARC Water Resources Study 2015 Session (HJ595/623) Requires Broad Review of Water Resources Complete by Nov 2016

27. Questions? Scott Kudlas Office of Water Supply Scott.Kudlas@deq.virginia.gov