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Residents tell Warren County board private wells are failing; ask for water planning and impact fees
Summary
Multiple Shenandoah-area residents told the Warren County board private wells are dropping or failing, in some cases rapidly, and urged the board to develop long-term water plans and consider a water impact fee for new development.
Residents from Shenandoah District told the Warren County Board of Supervisors on Feb. 3 that private well shortages are worsening and asked the board for long-term planning to protect homeowners who rely on wells.
Linda McDonough said many neighbors are “running out of water” and reported that one well had ‘‘dropped 50 feet in 3 years’’ based on local monitoring. Charlene Backstrom, also from Shenandoah Farms, urged the board to consider a water impact fee on new construction and business developments to help fund solutions for residents who lack municipal water access.
Board members acknowledged limits on county authority over well approvals, noting the health department’s role in approving wells under state statutes. Some supervisors said possible remedies include deeper wells, tax relief or subsidies for residents facing well replacement costs, though legal and funding constraints remain.
The board asked staff and relevant agencies to continue investigating long-term options and said it would consider raising the issue at future work sessions for planning and budget implications.
