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Show VIRGINIA 749 of the water resources of the State; cooperating with other state agencies of the Federal Government and private agencies in utilizing water resources; and reporting its findings and recom- mendations to each session of the general assembly.29 Statutory guide- lines which direct the division in its study include such recitals as: The changing wants and needs of the people of the State may require the water resources of the State to be put to uses beneficial to the public to the extent of which they are reasonably capable; the waste or unreasonable 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 the welfare of the people of the State and their interest in the reasonable and beneficial use thereof.30 The public welfare and interest of the people of the State requires the proper development, wise use, conservation and protection of water resources together with the protection of land resources, as affected thereby.31 The right to the use of water or to the flow of water in or from any natural stream, lake or other watercourse in this State is and shall be limited to such water as may reasonably be required for the beneficial use of the public to be served; such right shall not extend to the waste or unreasonable use or unreasonable method of use of such water.32 Other State agencies having water resource responsibilities include the State water control board, discussed above in connection with water quality control; the department of health, which has super- visory authority over water quality considerations that affect the public health, including authority to examine public water sup- plies, issue permits for domestic uses, and require changes in source of water supply or such other action deemed necessary to protect public health ;33 the State corporation commission, which licenses and regulates hydroelectric projects within the jurisdiction of the State, issues certificates of incorporation for water authorities and sewer authorities, and regulates the location of structures in the navigable waters of the State so as to prevent impairment of navigation;34 commission of fisheries, which regulates commercial fishing in the tidal waters;35 Commission of game and inland fisheries, which regulates sport fishing and fisheries in inland waters ;36 and the State geologist, who is authorized to examine water supplies to determine their fitness for manufacturing purposes, study the underground water basins of the State, and prepare maps and reports on the nat- ural resources of the State.37 (2) Agencies at the local level The counties, cities, and towns of Virginia have authority to ac- quire, own, and operate their own waterworks systems and hydro- electric utilities;38 they may, either alone or in combination, create water and sewer authorities;39 and they may join in the creation of sanitation districts to abate pollution and improve conditions affect- ing the public health.40 28 Sees. 10-115 through 10-117. 30 Sec. 62.1-11 (c). 81 Id. at subsection (d). 32 Id. at subsection (e). 33 Sees. 62.1-46 through 62.1-62. s*Secs. 62.1-82, 62.1-85, 15.1-1246, 56-32. 56-362, 56-466. 36 Sees. 28.1-3, 28.1-108, 28.1-109, and 28.1-118.1. 39 Sees. 29-12, 29-151, and 62.1-168. 37 Sec. 10-93. 38 Sec. 15.1-292. 38 Sec. 15.1-1241. 40 Sees. 21-153, 21-169, 21-236, and 21-249. |
