Under the Ground Water Management Act of 1992, Virginia manages ground water through a program regulating the withdrawals in certain areas called Ground Water Management Areas (GWMA). Currently, there are two Ground Water Management Areas in the state. The Eastern Virginia Ground Water Management Area comprises an area east of Interstate 95 and south of the Mattaponi and York rivers. The Eastern Shore Ground Water Management Area includes Accomack and Northampton counties. Any person or entity wishing to withdraw 300,000 gallons per month or more in a declared management area must obtain a permit.

Detailed Map of Ground Water Management Areas

Ground Water Management Areas in Virginia