The Rivanna River and its tributaries in Albemarle, Greene, and Fluvanna counties and the City of Charlottesville face a variety of threats and challenges from human activities in both rural and urban areas. Protecting the public water supply delivered to local residents via the public utility network is a major concern for these areas. Unless effective remedial action is taken, this will substantially reduce the useful life and utility of South Fork Rivanna Reservoir, the primary raw water source for the local urban area. Healthy streams are typically well buffered by hardy riparian forests and other vegetation that filters and absorbs pollution naturally.

  • Sedimentation, fertilizer runoff, and other non point source pollution from a variety of sources degrades aquatic habitats and makes municipal water treatment more difficult and expensive.
  • Declining water quality in the Rivanna causes significant environmental challenges downstream through the James River to the Chesapeake Bay.Pipe
  • The accelerating pace of development in the area – i.e., construction of roads, parking lots, and other hardscapes – causes pollutants and sediments to runoff into the Rivanna during rains.
  • Certain areas are defined as “impaired” based on low benthic macroinvertebrate biodiversity.
  • Certain tributary streams frequently exceed the “safe swimmable” standards for bacteria during or after a heavy rainstorm.

RCA Working Towards a Cleaner Rivanna

  • Working with rural landowners to encourage best management practices: i.e., establishing and preserving riparian forest buffers & fencing livestock out of streams.
  • Encouraging local & regional water supply planning & infrastructure to minimize disruptions of natural stream flows & associated environmental impacts
  • Working with localities to develop & maintain ordinances requiring minimum development setbacks from streams & design standards
    minimizing water quality impacts from new developments.
  • Using educational and outreach programs in local schools across the region to develop & promote environmental awareness.

What YOU can do for YOUR RivannaRain barrel

  • Use water resources more wisely and efficiently, helping to minimize environmental costs on local streams.
  • Buy a rain barrel and save rain water. This water is great for watering the garden, cleaning the car, or bathing your pup.
  • Continue to educate yourself & others about the Rivanna River & the need for cleaner water.
  • Attend RCA sponsored events, like workshops at the Scheier Natural Area or a Sojourn paddle down the Rivanna, helping to support RCA and build a stronger community that cares for the Rivanna.
  • Volunteer with RCA through cleanups & events, becoming a River Guardian, or even simply donating to help RCA continue working.

View RCA’ Threats to the Rivanna Brochure. Contact RCA for copies.