Most people and creatures who live in Albemarle County depend on water from the county’s very own aquifers, streams, rivers, and lakes. Abundant clean water and healthy aquatic ecosystems provide habitat for plants and animals, water for human consumption, places to recreate, and supplies for agriculture and other industries.  

What happens in our watersheds (the land area that drains into a water body) influences water quality not only within Albemarle County, but also downstream of our borders. Over 90% of the county is in the watersheds of the Rivanna and Hardware Rivers, which flow into the James River, one of the major tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay.  

Learn about the current condition of Albemarle County’s streams and watersheds. 

What We Do  

Albemarle County local government implements a number of programs – both mandated and voluntary – to protect local water resources and waters that are downstream, including the James River and Chesapeake Bay. Many other programs and initiatives, such as those that focus on Biodiversity and Climate Action, also indirectly support clean water.