Virginia Beach has limited reclaimed-water infrastructure; HRSD's SWIFT aquifer recharge program is the region's main reuse effort, while on-site graywater systems require Virginia Department of Health approval.
Unlike arid Western cities, Virginia Beach does not operate a purple-pipe distribution system for irrigation. Regional reuse is handled by Hampton Roads Sanitation District's SWIFT (Sustainable Water Initiative for Tomorrow) project, which treats wastewater to drinking-water standards and injects it into the Potomac aquifer at the Nansemond facility. Private graywater reuse for subsurface irrigation is permitted under Virginia DPOR plumbing code with a Virginia Department of Health alternative-onsite-system permit. Rainwater harvesting for non-potable use is generally allowed without a permit if cisterns are screened and overflow drains to the lawn.
Cross-connecting a graywater or reclaimed system to the potable supply is a Class 1 misdemeanor under VA plumbing code with fines up to $2,500 and required system removal.
Virginia Beach, VA
Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged in Virginia Beach. Rain barrels and small cisterns used for outdoor irrigation require no permit. Systems plumbe...
Virginia Beach, VA
Virginia Beach Public Utilities can impose mandatory outdoor watering restrictions during declared drought, typically limiting irrigation to odd/even address...
See how Virginia Beach's recycled water rules rules stack up against other locations.
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