WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 387

Occoquan Reservoir; low-flow protections for drinking water safe yield.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Paul Krizek

HB 387 establishes minimum low-flow protections for Virginia's Occoquan Reservoir to safeguard drinking water supplies for 2 million Northern Virginia residents during drought conditions.

Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB387)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 387

Legislative bill overview

HB 387 establishes low-flow protections for the Occoquan Reservoir to ensure adequate drinking water safe yield during periods of drought or low water availability. The bill creates regulatory mechanisms to maintain minimum water levels necessary for the reservoir's primary function as a drinking water source serving Northern Virginia communities.

Why is this important

The Occoquan Reservoir supplies drinking water to approximately 2 million people in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. Climate variability and population growth increase pressure on this critical water resource, making protections against over-withdrawal essential for public health and regional water security.

Potential points of contention

  • Agricultural and industrial water users may face restrictions on water withdrawals during low-flow periods, affecting irrigation, manufacturing, and other operations dependent on reservoir access
  • Definition and enforcement of "safe yield" could be disputed—determining scientifically accurate minimum flow levels requires complex hydrological analysis that stakeholders may contest
  • Economic costs of implementing monitoring systems and compliance mechanisms, plus potential impacts on existing water contracts and permits, may create resistance from affected industries and municipalities

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.