62.1-11 - Waters declared natural resource; state regulation and conservation; limitations upon right to use. - Virginia Statutes

§ 62.1-11. Waters declared natural resource; state regulation andconservation; limitations upon right to use.

A. Such waters are a natural resource which should be regulated by theCommonwealth.

B. The regulation, control, development and use of waters for all purposesbeneficial to the public are within the jurisdiction of the Commonwealthwhich in the exercise of its police powers may establish measures toeffectuate the proper and comprehensive utilization and protection of suchwaters.

C. The changing wants and needs of the people of the Commonwealth may requirethe water resources of the Commonwealth to be put to uses beneficial to thepublic to the extent of which they are reasonably capable; the waste orunreasonable use or unreasonable method of use of water should be prevented;and the conservation of such water is to be exercised with a view to thewelfare of the people of the Commonwealth and their interest in thereasonable and beneficial use thereof.

D. The public welfare and interest of the people of the Commonwealth requirethe proper development, wise use, conservation and protection of waterresources together with protection of land resources, as affected thereby.

E. The right to the use of water or to the flow of water in or from anynatural stream, lake or other watercourse in this Commonwealth is and shallbe limited to such water as may reasonably be required for the beneficial useof the public to be served; such right shall not extend to the waste orunreasonable use or unreasonable method of use of such water.

F. The quality of state waters is affected by the quantity of water and it isthe intent of the Commonwealth, to the extent practicable, to maintain flowconditions to protect instream beneficial uses and public water supplies forhuman consumption.

(Code 1950, § 62-9.2; 1954, c. 330; 1968, c. 659; 1989, c. 410.)