2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26103080D

HOUSE BILL NO. 501

Offered January 14, 2026

Prefiled January 12, 2026

A BILL to direct the Department of Environmental Quality to study the threats and challenges to the groundwater supply in western Loudoun and Fauquier Counties; report.

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Patrons—McAuliff, Martinez and Singh; Senators: Perry and Srinivasan

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Referred to Committee on Rules

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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. § 1. That the Department of Environmental Quality (the Department) shall study the threats and challenges to the groundwater supply in western Loudoun and Fauquier Counties. In conducting such study, the Department shall (i) provide historical and current data and trends relating to groundwater levels and groundwater quality; (ii) include future projections for groundwater levels and groundwater quality; (iii) evaluate potential future impacts to the groundwater supply as a result of increasing groundwater withdrawals; (iv) evaluate whether a groundwater management area should be established for the region pursuant to Chapter 25 (§ 62.1-254 et seq.) of Title 62.1 of the Code of Virginia; and (v) recommend any statutory or regulatory restrictions to ensure that future development in the region does not endanger the health and safety of the region's residents nor the water needs of existing commercial enterprises. Technical assistance shall be provided to the Department by the State Water Control Board. All agencies of the Commonwealth shall provide assistance to the Department for this study, upon request. The Department shall complete its meetings by November 30, 2026, and shall submit to the Chairs of the House Committee on Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources and the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources a report of its findings and recommendations no later than December 31, 2026.