Mission H2O is committed to collaborative solutions for managing Virginia’s water supply so that it is safe, reliable, and sustainable. The following 2026–2027 goals and initiatives are in addition to the tracking and lobbying work performed during the Virginia General Assembly session.
Goals and Initiatives
Goal 1: Technically Sound and Balanced Standards for Surface Water Intake Structures
- Review and comment on Department of Wildlife Resources surface water intake structure guidance and recommendations.
- Track and participate in Department of Environmental Quality implementation of Clean Water Act Section 316(b), including commenting on rulemakings and guidance.
- Engage with the Virginia Institute of Marine Science on research into the cumulative impacts of surface water intakes.
Goal 2: Aquifer Recharge and Groundwater Management in Eastern Virginia
- Advocate for recognition of managed aquifer recharge in the Eastern Virginia Groundwater Management Area.
- Participate in implementation of a work plan for the Eastern Virginia Groundwater Management Advisory Committee.
- Identify opportunities for broader education on SWIFT and groundwater management more broadly.
- Monitor and respond to the Department of Environmental Quality’s Senate Joint Resolution No. 25 Groundwater Supply East of Interstate 95 Report.
Goal 3: Reasonable Resolution of Grandfathered Surface Water Withdrawal Concerns
- Engage in Department of Environmental Quality stakeholder processes and comment opportunities on grandfathered surface water withdrawals to protect against restrictive reinterpretation of the “water withdrawal in existence on July 1, 1989” clause.
- Seek appropriate clarifications to the application of the grandfathered withdrawal provision.
- Identify opportunities to educate legislators, regulators, and the public about grandfathered surface water withdrawals.
- Ensure that Virginia Department of Health Office of Drinking Water safe yield methodologies and any related policy changes do not undermine the grandfathered status of surface water withdrawals.
Goal 4: Species-Related Developments Affecting Water Supply
- Monitor mitigation guidance and recommendations issued by DWR, the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, and Virginia Institute of Marine Science.
- Support representation on the Virginia Marine Resources Commission Habitat Advisory Committee to ensure water supply interests are considered.
- Monitor species-related requirements imposed during water withdrawal permitting, including actions to implement Virginia’s Wildlife Action Plan.
Goal 5: Environmental Justice and Tribal Consultation in Water Permitting
- Track the work of the Environmental Justice Council.
- Comment on Department of Environmental Quality draft guidance regarding implementation of the Virginia Environmental Justice Act in permitting with a focus on impacts to water withdrawal permitting requirements.
- Monitor Department of Environmental Quality challenges to water withdrawal permits involving Tribes and/or environmental justice considerations.
Goal 6: Collaboration on Water Supply Management and Reporting
- Monitor water use reporting guidance and participate as a stakeholder in its development.
- Facilitate coordination on future water use and water withdrawal reporting legislation or regulations.
- Focus on water withdrawal and water resource planning requirements to ensure that requirements are consistent with technical record, sustainable water resource management, and meeting future water needs of all users.