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Resources for Home Water Quality

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Urban Water Quality Management–Residential Stormwater: Put It in Its Place. Decreasing Runoff and Increasing Stormwater Infiltration
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).
Jun 2, 2020 426-046(HORT-160P)
Best Management Practice Fact Sheet 10: Dry Swale
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).
Mar 5, 2020 426-129 (BSE-278P)
Best Management Practice Fact Sheet 11: Wet Swale
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.
Mar 5, 2020 426-130 (BSE-279P)
Best Management Practice Fact Sheet 12: Filtering Practices
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).
Mar 5, 2020 426-131 (BSE-280P)
Virginia Household Water Quality Program: Iron and Manganese in Household Water Feb 25, 2020 442-656 (BSE-285P)
Virginia Household Water Quality Program: Sulfate and Hydrogen Sulfide in Household Water Apr 26, 2019 442-658 (BSE-252P)
Virginia Household Water Quality Program: Nitrate in Household Water Apr 29, 2019 449-659 (BSE-253P)
Virginia Household Water Quality Program: Fluoride in Household Water May 13, 2019 442-660 (BSE-254P)
Virginia Household Water Quality Program: Sodium and Chloride in Household Drinking Water May 13, 2019 442-661 (BSE-255P)
Virginia Household Water Quality Program: Bacteria and Other Microorganisms in Household Water May 10, 2019 442-662 (BSE-256P)
Virginia Household Water Quality Program: Shock Chlorination: Disinfecting Private Household Water Supply Systems May 3, 2019 442-663 (BSE-257P)
Virginia Household Water Quality Program: Corrosive Household Water May 3, 2019 442-665 (BSE-259P)
Virginia Household Water Quality Program: Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in Household Water Apr 26, 2019 442-666 (BSE-260P)
Virginia Household Water Quality Program: Household Water Treatment Apr 3, 2019 442-670 (BSE-250P)
Greywater Reuse
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.
Jul 23, 2019 BSE-114NP (BSE-267NP)
Using Reclaimed Water
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.
Jul 23, 2019 BSE-115NP (BSE-266NP)
Rainwater Harvesting Systems
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.
Jul 23, 2019 BSE-116NP (BSE-265NP)
Hydrology Basics and the Hydrologic Cycle
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.
Nov 4, 2020 BSE-191P
Virginia Household Water Quality Program: Emergency Supplies of Water for Drinking and Food Preparation Jul 11, 2022 BSE-209NP (BSE-345NP)
Indicators Of Lead In Well Water Dec 13, 2016 BSE-210NP
Household Water Quality - Albemarle County Sep 19, 2019 BSE-284-2
Household Water Quality - Virginia Beach Dec 11, 2019 BSE-284-101
Household Water Quality - Warren County Dec 11, 2019 BSE-284-102
Household Water Quality - Westmoreland County Dec 11, 2019 BSE-284-104
Household Water Quality - Wythe County Dec 11, 2019 BSE-284-106
Household Water Quality - Bedford County Nov 12, 2019 BSE-284-11
Household Water Quality - Botetourt County Nov 12, 2019 BSE-284-13
Household Water Quality - Buckingham County Nov 12, 2019 BSE-284-16
Household Water Quality - Campbell County Nov 12, 2019 BSE-284-17
Household Water Quality - Carroll County Nov 12, 2019 BSE-284-19
Household Water Quality - Charlotte County Nov 12, 2019 BSE-284-21
Household Water Quality - Clarke County Nov 18, 2019 BSE-284-24
Household Water Quality - Craig County Nov 18, 2019 BSE-284-25
Household Water Quality - Culpeper County Nov 18, 2019 BSE-284-26
Household Water Quality - Dinwiddie County Nov 18, 2019 BSE-284-30
Household Water Quality - Essex County Nov 21, 2019 BSE-284-31
Household Water Quality - Fauquier County Nov 21, 2019 BSE-284-33
Household Water Quality - Floyd County Nov 21, 2019 BSE-284-34
Household Water Quality - Fluvanna County Nov 21, 2019 BSE-284-35
Household Water Quality - Franklin County Nov 21, 2019 BSE-284-36
Household Water Quality - Frederick County Nov 21, 2019 BSE-284-37
Household Water Quality - Giles County Dec 3, 2019 BSE-284-38
Household Water Quality - Goochland County Dec 3, 2019 BSE-284-40
Household Water Quality - Grayson County Dec 4, 2019 BSE-284-41
Household Water Quality - Greene County Dec 5, 2019 BSE-284-42
Household Water Quality - Halifax County Dec 5, 2019 BSE-284-44
Household Water Quality - Hanover County Dec 5, 2019 BSE-284-46
Household Water Quality - Amelia County Nov 4, 2019 BSE-284-5
Household Water Quality - Isle of Wight Dec 5, 2019 BSE-284-50
Household Water Quality - King George County Dec 5, 2019 BSE-284-53
Household Water Quality - Lancaster County Dec 5, 2019 BSE-284-55
Household Water Quality - Loudoun County Dec 5, 2019 BSE-284-57
Household Water Quality - Louisa County Dec 5, 2019 BSE-284-58
Household Water Quality - Lunenburg County Dec 5, 2019 BSE-284-59
Household Water Quality - Amherst County Nov 12, 2019 BSE-284-6
Household Water Quality - Madison County Dec 5, 2019 BSE-284-61
Household Water Quality - Mecklenburg County Dec 5, 2019 BSE-284-63
Household Water Quality - Montgomery County Dec 10, 2019 BSE-284-65
Household Water Quality - Nelson County Dec 10, 2019 BSE-284-66
Household Water Quality - Appomattox County Nov 12, 2019 BSE-284-7
Household Water Quality - Eastern Shore Dec 11, 2019 BSE-284-70
Household Water Quality - Northumberland County Dec 10, 2019 BSE-284-71
Household Water Quality - Nottoway County Dec 10, 2019 BSE-284-72
Household Water Quality - Orange County Dec 10, 2019 BSE-284-73
Household Water Quality - Page County Dec 11, 2019 BSE-284-74
Household Water Quality - Pittsylvania County Dec 11, 2019 BSE-284-77
Household Water Quality - Powhatan County Dec 11, 2019 BSE-284-79
Household Water Quality - Prince George County Dec 11, 2019 BSE-284-81
Household Water Quality - Prince William County Dec 11, 2019 BSE-284-82
Household Water Quality - Pulaski County Dec 11, 2019 BSE-284-83
Household Water Quality - Rappahannock County Dec 11, 2019 BSE-284-84
Household Water Quality - Roanoke County Dec 11, 2019 BSE-284-87
Household Water Quality - Russell County Dec 11, 2019 BSE-284-90
Household Water Quality - Shenandoah County Dec 11, 2019 BSE-284-92
Household Water Quality - Spotsylvania County Dec 11, 2019 BSE-284-95
Denitrifying Bioreactors: An Emerging Best Management Practice to Improve Water Quality
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.
Dec 8, 2023 BSE-55P (BSE-354P)
Fluoride in Drinking Water
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.
BSE-357NP
Best Septic System Management During the Covid-19 Pandemic Aug 5, 2020 SPES-229NP
What to Expect When Getting Your Septic Tank Pumped
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.
Jan 26, 2024 SPES-574NP
Septic Systems: What to Ask When Buying a House
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.
Jan 4, 2024 SPES-575NP
What to Know About Septic Systems When Building a House
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.
Jan 31, 2024 SPES-580NP