Water Quality: Studies & Policies

As we take a closer look at groundwater, PFAS, salinity, water reuse and the future of the Occoquan watershed, we see that even though each issue requires different solutions, together, they reinforce the same lesson: good decisions require good information, and the tools to act on what we know.

The County has a groundwater study underway and the Board unanimously supported my resolution asking Virginia to include Prince William in the state’s groundwater study, which is primarily focused on Loudoun and Fauquier counties. We share portions of the same regional geology and groundwater systems and it only makes sense that the state’s research and planning should reflect that.

Better studies are only part of the equation. I am also asking state lawmakers to give local governments clearer authority to pause new data center applications while we resolve critical questions about water, power, air quality, and infrastructure. Additionally, I am renewing my call for stronger authority to review and mitigate the cumulative impacts of these exceptionally resource-intensive projects.

I want to be clear that we are not in a water crisis at this time. PW Water projects adequate near-term supply and is proactively taking steps to extend capacity. However, we must identify risks early and be able to respond before hyperscale development outpaces the infrastructure needed to support it; something counties in Virginia do not always have the authority to do.

I look forward to working collaboratively with state, regional, and other partners to obtain better data and tools so we can make the best decisions for our community.