Bill would limit new water withdrawals near Occoquan Reservoir

The bill would bar most new permits to take water from the Occoquan area. It would cover water taken for consumptive use from the Occoquan Reservoir, the Occoquan River, Bull Run, and their tributaries above the reservoir. The restriction would not cover permits for agriculture or irrigation, or for continued operation, expansion, or relocation of existing public water supply withdrawals. The restriction would apply to new permits issued after July 1, 2026.

Certain wastewater reuse permits would limit water used up and require extra diverted water to be returned. This covers permits to divert sewage or reclaimed water from a publicly owned treatment plant for reuse when it would otherwise flow into the Occoquan Reservoir, the Occoquan River, Bull Run, or their tributaries above the reservoir. The total permitted diversion must exceed 500,000 gallons per day. The permit would allow no more than 500,000 gallons per day for consumptive use. Any excess would have to be returned in the same amount, directly or through a treatment plant, at a quality equal to or better than the discharge from the treatment plant it came from. More stringent emergency restrictions would override these permit rules while in effect. Stricter requirements for wastewater reuse would also override them. These conditions would apply to permits issued or reissued after July 1, 2026.

Certain water withdrawal permits would require steps to protect low flows in the Potomac River and its tributaries. These provisions cover permits issued after July 1, 2007, for water taken from the Potomac River or its tributaries between the West Virginia border and Little Falls, for purposes other than municipal water supply, when allowed consumptive use exceeds 500,000 gallons per day. Permits must require enough stored water to make up the amount of consumptive use above 500,000 gallons per day during low-flow periods, or limit such use to 500,000 gallons per day during those periods. More stringent temporary emergency restrictions would override permit rules while in effect. The text applies these requirements to covered permits issued after July 1, 2007.