Humans and plants depend on an adequate supply of clean water for a number of reasons, from producingfood to sustaining life. The average Virginia resident uses 826 gallons of fresh water daily (Virginia Department of Environmental Quality [VADEQ] 2008). In the Commonwealth alone, there are more than one million households that depend on well water, withdrawing more than 50 billion gallons annually (Virginia Department of Health 2008). For groundwater replenishment, we depend largely on recharge (water moving from the surface to groundwater) from infiltration of precipitation through permeable surfaces in the environment — an important part of the natural water cycle (VADEQ 2010).

A dry swale (DS) is a shallow, gently sloping channel with broad, vegetated, side slopes. Water flow is slowed by a series of check dams (see figure 1). A DS provides temporary storage, filtration, and infiltration of stormwater runoff. Dry swales function similarly to bioretention, and are comparable to wet swales; however, unlike a wet swale, a DS should remain dry during periods of no rainfall. A DS is an engineered best management practice (BMP) that is designed to reduce pollution through runoff reduction and pollutant removal and is part of a site’s stormwater treatment practice (see figure 2).

A wet swale (WS) is an engineered, best management practice (BMP) arranged in a straight line that is designed to reduce stormwater pollution. A WS consists of a shallow, gently sloping channel with broad, vegetated, side slopes and slow flows (see figure 1). Wet swales typically stay wet because the bottom of the swale is below the water table. This is done to encourage the growth of wetland vegetation, providing water quality treatment similar to a natural wetland. This stormwater treatment practice also functions as part of the stormwater conveyance system. Wet swales have a relatively low capital cost; however, maintenance can be is intensive and expensive when compared to other BMPs.

A stormwater filtering practice (FP) treats stormwater runoff by passing it through an engineered filter media consisting of either sand, gravel, organic matter, and/ or a proprietary manufactured product, collecting it in an underdrain, and then discharging the effluent to a stormwater conveyance system. FPs are stormwater treatment practices that are often obtained from the marketplace due to unique proprietary technologies (see figure 1).

Greywater is any household wastewater other than that used for toilet flushing. This water could be reused around the home (for purposes other than drinking water). An example of greywater use is landscape irrigation. Wastewater that comes in contact with human waste is referred to as blackwater. However, the definition of greywater varies according to state regulations.

Reclaimed water, sometimes referred to as “water reuse” or “recycled water,” is water recovered from domestic, municipal, or industrial wastewater treatment plants that has been treated to standards that allow it to be safely used for designated purposes. Reclaimed water should not be confused with “wastewater,” untreated liquid industrial waste or domestic sewage. However, “gray water,” untreated water from bathing or washing, is considered one form of wastewater (Water Reuse, VCE Publication 452-014). The level of treatment and disinfection reclaimed water receives is dictated by its intended (and permitted) use. Many states encourage and promote the use of reclaimed water to conserve freshwater supplies and preserve rivers, streams, lakes, and aquifers.

Rainwater harvesting is the process of collecting, storing, and later reusing rainwater from surfaces such as roofs. Rainwater harvesting has long been used for agricultural irrigation and as a source of drinking water, and allowed ancient civilizations to flourish in semi-arid and arid regions. Rainwater harvesting systems are in use today in many water-limited locations, especially in several western US regions. As population growth increases pressure on water resources in the more humid eastern US, rainwater harvesting is being considered to reduce the demand for potable water.

This fact sheet presents and explains some common concepts in hydrology and the hydrologic cycle. The science or study of hydrology focuses on the distribution, occurrence, circulation, and properties of water in the environment.

Denitrifying bioreactors (DNBRs) are an alternative best management practice (BMP) that can reduce the amount of nitrogen reaching surface waters. DNBRs function by supporting soil microorganisms that are capable of denitrification in a favorable environment.

This is a collaborative effort based on VAHWQP data and working with two undergraduate researchers in BSE. It was reviewed by a public health consultant who is an expert in water fluoridation. This publication is produced in partnership with Virginia Department of Health and was designed by a contracted graphic designer and MPH student, Christy Meek. Digital only, front and back, color.

This publication will help homeowners understand how, why, and how frequently septic tanks are pumped. The publication covers the basics of how septic systems operate, both in the septic tank and the drainlines. The publication discusses why septic tanks need to be pumped and what is being pumped out of the tank. Information about who to contact regarding having a septic tank pumped is provided. Ways that the homeowner can help facilitate the pumping are included. The publication also provides a discussion of the consequences of not having septic tanks pumped.

This publication is intended to let house buyers (and realtors) understand what questions they should be asking regarding septic systems when looking for and buying a house. The publication covers the basics of how septic systems operate, both in the septic tank and the drainlines. Questions addressed include: if the house is on the public sewer network or a septic system; what type of system is installed; what regulations must be followed to maintain the system; when the last time the system was pumped or inspected; has there been renovations to the property that would alter the septic system required, and if changes to reflect this have been made; has there been any previous failures with the system, or are there current visible failures to be seen; and does the property have a reserve field.

This publication is intended to give those making initial plans about building a house an idea of what must be considered in regards to their septic system. The publication covers the basics of how septic systems operate, both in the septic tank and the drainlines. It also provides information about soil evaluations, including who can evaluate the soil and reasons that the soil must be evaluated. The publication includes information on how much space both the septic tank and the full septic system will take up. Finally, the publication discusses set-back distances that are required for the septic system, the home and various other features that may be found on the property.