Cape Charles Revises Town Code Following Sale of Water and Wastewater Systems

CAPE CHARLES, Va. — The Cape Charles Town Council is set to revise Chapter 30 of the Town Code, which governs the operation of the former municipally owned water and wastewater systems, following the sale of these systems to Virginia American Water (VAW).

As a note, Councilman Steve Bennett added a sentence to the ordinance stating that existing systems connected to the waterworks as of July 18, 2024, are exempt from this requirement.

Chapter 30 encompasses extensive provisions regarding the operation of the systems, including connection requirements and charges, usage regulations and fee policies, and water conservation measures. Much of the chapter reflects the regulatory requirements of the Virginia Department of Health for water and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality for wastewater. With VAW now owning the systems, compliance with most regulatory requirements will be their responsibility.

Town’s Continued Responsibilities:

Despite the sale, the Town will retain responsibility for certain aspects, such as:

• Connection requirements
• Protection of potable water
• Water conservation
• Use of private wells and sewage disposal systems

The proposed ordinance retains existing provisions for these responsibilities and introduces a new measure prohibiting the connection of irrigation systems to the waterworks. This aims to minimize withdrawals from the drinking water aquifer, promoting the use of shallow wells for irrigation in accordance with the town’s location in a state-designated groundwater management area.

Additionally, one provision concerning the disposal of waste, including garbage, will be relocated to Chapter 12, Environment and Natural Resources, for better alignment with its content.

Virginia American Water has expressed concurrence with the proposed ordinance. The revisions are expected to enhance the management and sustainability of Cape Charles’ water resources while ensuring regulatory compliance.