Provide Input on Plans to Improve the Local Water Quality by Reducing Bacteria

Keeping the waterways of Virginia Beach clean and healthy is important for those who live, work and play in our community. Bacteria is a natural and essential element in every waterway, but too much of certain types of bacteria can negatively impact uses of the water, including recreation, fishing, shellfish harvesting, and health of fish and wildlife. Many businesses depend on the resources of the local waterways. 

What does TMDL mean?  

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) established a requirement, or Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL), for all localities in Virginia, including Virginia Beach, to reduce the amount of certain types of bacteria that enter the local waterways. The City of Virginia Beach has many programs in place that currently reduce bacteria in waterways to keep our water clean and healthy.

This draft document is an update to the City’s Local TMDL Action Plan, which spells out activities the City currently has in place, as well as the activities the City plans to take over the next five years to meet the DEQ’s requirements. Plans include activities such as:  

• Public education 
• Targeted monitoring to identify significant sources 
• Reduction of bacteria from identified sources 
• Prioritization of human health risk indicators 

Provide Your Input 

Community members have the opportunity to review the plan and share their thoughts. Your feedback will help guide the City in finalizing the plan and implementing the projects. For more information and to provide input, visit VirginiaBeach.gov/BacteriaTMDL through June 19. 

• Provide Input