Loudoun County’s waterways host a lush and diverse ecosystem that benefits the health and happiness of the populace surrounding them. In 2011, Loudoun County had seen a major increase in urban land use*. More specifically, from 5.52% in 1992 to a whopping 20.3%. Similarly, rural land use had dropped from 53.08% in 1992 to 40% in 2011. This trend has not slowed, and although the Loudoun administration has put restrictions on western urbanization, our rising population will push these limits. The Loudoun County waterways will face severe environmental consequences if this trend continues. So, we need to act immediately to slow and prevent this progression of pollution in Loudoun

How Does Developed Land Pollute Streams?

• Snow Melt

  • Snow Melt runs off into our drains, which consequently go into our streams. These chemicals then become a part of the stream, severely harming the ecosystem.

• Farm Runoff

  • Like snow melt, runoff pollution from farms in Western Loudoun can overload streams with nutrients, harming the ecosystem.

• Impervious Surfaces

  • Surfaces such as roads or parking lots forces rainwater to go directly into streams possibly carrying pollution and other harmful substances.