Water Resources

Background
In acquiring land for the University, Thomas Jefferson had the foresight to purchase a series of tracts comprising the headwaters of two small streams, thereby ensuring an adequate water supply for his institution. Although these streams no longer serve as the source of the community's water, the University has nevertheless continued to benefit from its commanding hydrologic setting, which has allowed the University relative autonomy with regard to planning decisions impacting both Moore's and Meadow Creeks. Unfortunately, the University has historically neglected the inherent responsibility of its important role in both the local watershed-the Rivanna River-and the larger system of the Chesapeake Bay. To accommodate its rapid growth over the last fifty years, the University has buried numerous streams, filled low-lying areas and eliminated wetlands. Further, by observing conventional stormwater practices, the University has dealt with the increased runoff produced by its extensive paving and rooftops by channeling water through pipes and paved culverts, dumping it downstream as quickly as possible. As a result of these practices, Meadow and Moore's Creeks have been severely degraded, contributing disproportionately to the pollution and erosion evident throughout the larger watershed. Meadow Creek, at its outlet point from the University, has the ignominious distinction of having the worst water quality within the Rivanna watershed.

A New Approach
In 1999, the University of Virginia embarked on a new approach to stormwater management. This new approach began with a planning study, Strategic Plan for Water Resources Management, developed by an expert technical team composed of both engineers and landscape architects, with input from key groups within the University, the City of Charlottesville, the County of Albemarle and the State of Virginia. This unusual partnership helped establish a commitment to water as a central community resource and the belief that the management of water should contribute to the design of the University grounds.

By undertaking the planning study Strategic Plan for Water Resources, the University has taken the first step toward mitigating the water quality impacts of its many years of development. Now fully embracing its responsibility to the local and regional watershed as well as its role as a leading academic institution, the University aspires to demonstrate new stormwater management practices that exceed the level of mere regulatory compliance. Crafted by experts in the field, The Strategic Plan for Water Resources outlines a new approach based on the 'water balance' model, whereby stormwater is handled as a resource vital to the sustenance of both land and water systems rather than a disposable by-product of development. Included among the land use and development strategies recommended by the study is both the employment of techniques of reducing runoff and maximizing infiltration as well as the restoration of the natural drainage system, where possible.