Comments Document
My name is Eric Deaver. I live at 17624 Evers Court, Hamilton, Virginia. I apologize for not being able to provide this input in person but am hopeful you will accept this testimony and consider it in your deliberations on HB501. I am a Virginia Certified Professional Geologist and, while recently retired, I have a 40+ year background in classical hydrogeology as well as broad experience in soil, groundwater, and surface water site characterization and remediation in Virginia (primarily in Loudoun and Albemarle Counties), the mid-Atlantic region, and elsewhere in North America. I have qualified and testified under oath as a subject matter expert on these topics. I have been a resident of Loudoun County since 1994. While this testimony is offered as a private citizen, I have served as a past member of the Loudoun County Water Resources Technical Advisory Committee and currently serve as the Natural Resource/Water Quality subject matter expert member on the Loudoun County Environmental Commission. I have no potential conflicts of interest in providing this testimony.
It is well known to hydrogeologists working in the area that the fractured granitic gneiss bedrock unit of western Loudoun and Fauquier Counties is unique in nature and particularly susceptible to overuse impact through pressures from development (both residential and commercial). Sustainability of this critical resource is a primary concern of those familiar with the hydrogeology of the region. I recently received the Assessment of the Groundwater Supply in Loudoun County (2025) prepared by the Preservation and Conservation Coalition (Coalition). I have no affiliation with the Coalition but reviewed this report as an independent citizen with an expertise in its subject matter. This assessment report presented findings by the Coalition based on their review of more than 23,000 Loudoun County well records, over 50 years of United States Geological Survey (USGS) streamflow data, Loudoun County groundwater monitoring records, and peer-reviewed hydrogeologic studies. Based on my evaluation of the report, I find no reason to doubt its conclusions which are summarized as attached.
Groundwater is the primary drinking-water source for tens of thousands of residents in western Loudoun and Fauquier and is foundational to agricultural viability. Evidence indicates that these counties' fractured bedrock aquifers are experiencing long-term decline in water levels, reduced recharge, and increasing stress from both drought and development. These conditions have direct implications for public health, land-use planning, agriculture, and long-term resiliency. At a minimum, these Commonwealth citizens may be impacted with costly well replacements, failing public water sources, reduced agricultural viability, lower property values in affected areas, and decreased stream health.
In light of these findings, I recommend the passage of HB 501 to provide for a resilient water future for western Loudoun and Fauquier Counties. The studies required in HB 501 will go far in providing technical support to these localities in implementing their groundwater resource management actions and policies. If the Coalition-identified trends are confirmed by VDEQ, I urge the Commonwealth to direct the development of specific mitigation strategies and updated land-use practices to address the accelerating impacts on public health, agriculture, and long-term groundwater sustainability in these counties.
Comments Document
My name is Eric Deaver. I live at 17624 Evers Court, Hamilton, Virginia. I apologize for not being able to provide this input in person but am hopeful you will accept this testimony and consider it in your deliberations on HB501. I am a Virginia Certified Professional Geologist and, while recently retired, I have a 40+ year background in classical hydrogeology as well as broad experience in soil, groundwater, and surface water site characterization and remediation in Virginia (primarily in Loudoun and Albemarle Counties), the mid-Atlantic region, and elsewhere in North America. I have qualified and testified under oath as a subject matter expert on these topics. I have been a resident of Loudoun County since 1994. While this testimony is offered as a private citizen, I have served as a past member of the Loudoun County Water Resources Technical Advisory Committee and currently serve as the Natural Resource/Water Quality subject matter expert member on the Loudoun County Environmental Commission. I have no potential conflicts of interest in providing this testimony. It is well known to hydrogeologists working in the area that the fractured granitic gneiss bedrock unit of western Loudoun and Fauquier Counties is unique in nature and particularly susceptible to overuse impact through pressures from development (both residential and commercial). Sustainability of this critical resource is a primary concern of those familiar with the hydrogeology of the region. I recently received the Assessment of the Groundwater Supply in Loudoun County (2025) prepared by the Preservation and Conservation Coalition (Coalition). I have no affiliation with the Coalition but reviewed this report as an independent citizen with an expertise in its subject matter. This assessment report presented findings by the Coalition based on their review of more than 23,000 Loudoun County well records, over 50 years of United States Geological Survey (USGS) streamflow data, Loudoun County groundwater monitoring records, and peer-reviewed hydrogeologic studies. Based on my evaluation of the report, I find no reason to doubt its conclusions which are summarized as attached. Groundwater is the primary drinking-water source for tens of thousands of residents in western Loudoun and Fauquier and is foundational to agricultural viability. Evidence indicates that these counties' fractured bedrock aquifers are experiencing long-term decline in water levels, reduced recharge, and increasing stress from both drought and development. These conditions have direct implications for public health, land-use planning, agriculture, and long-term resiliency. At a minimum, these Commonwealth citizens may be impacted with costly well replacements, failing public water sources, reduced agricultural viability, lower property values in affected areas, and decreased stream health. In light of these findings, I recommend the passage of HB 501 to provide for a resilient water future for western Loudoun and Fauquier Counties. The studies required in HB 501 will go far in providing technical support to these localities in implementing their groundwater resource management actions and policies. If the Coalition-identified trends are confirmed by VDEQ, I urge the Commonwealth to direct the development of specific mitigation strategies and updated land-use practices to address the accelerating impacts on public health, agriculture, and long-term groundwater sustainability in these counties.