Prince William Conservation Alliance
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Streams, Stormwater and Low Impact Development
Prince William Watersheds
Wetlands
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Nearly 40% of Prince William County lands drain directly into the Occoquan Reservoir before flowing to the Potomac River and on to the Chesapeake Bay.
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The Occoquan watershed (drainage area) covers 590 square miles and includes the 1,700-acre Occoquan Reservoir, which serves as the boundary between Fairfax and Prince William counties. The Occoquan Reservoir:

  • Supplies about 40% of the drinking water supply for 1.2 million Northern Virginia residents.
  • Can supply drinking water for the entire region in an emergency.
Shoreline Buffers Add Open Space, Protect Drinking Our Water Supply
and Demonstrate Clean Water Commitments

The Occoquan Reservoir is bordered by Fairfax County to the north and Prince William County to the south. Each county has taken a different approach toward the protecting the drinking water supply.

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Prince William County:
  • 450 homes
  • 70 acres public parkland (Lake Ridge Park)
  • Promises protection for headwaters area (Gainesville and Nokesville)

Fairfax County:

  • 25 homes
  • 5,000 acres public parkland (Northern Virginia Regional Park system)
  • Down-zoned 41,000 acres in the Occoquan watershed in 1982; the downzoning was upheld by a landmark court decision in 1985.

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