A Cooperative Project in Watershed Education

Watershed Description

A watershed is an area of land that drains toward a single body of water. The Lake Smith and Lake Lawson watersheds are located in Virginia Beach. They are part of a larger watershed known as the Intown Lakes, which, combined with the Western Reservoirs, supplies drinking water to the 700,000 people in South Hampton Roads. The Lake Smith watershed encompasses 1,900 acres; and Lake Lawson's watershed is 1,200 acres. The primary land use in the watersheds is residential. There are also significant roads and commercial properties within both watersheds.

Map of the Lake Smith & Lake Lawson watershed

Watershed Concerns

The Lake Smith and Lake Lawson watersheds, part of the Norfolk Reservoir System since 1873, have been identified as having high potential for pollution from nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus). In fact, high levels of nutrients have been found in samples from the watersheds. Elevated levels of bacteria, attributed to storm water runoff, have also been detected. The increased appearance of aquatic vegetation is due to the high level of nutrients.

Nonpoint Source Pollution

Nonpoint source pollution is pollution that does not come from an identifiable source. The pollutants are carried off the land by runoff from rainfall. Nonpoint source pollution is Virginia's biggest water quality problem. Some examples of nonpoint source pollution are:

• Fertilizer and pesticides from lawns and crop fields
• Bacteria from failing septic systems and animal waste
• Sediment from construction sites
• Gasoline, oil and antifreeze from driveways, parking lots and roads

Nonpoint Source Pollution Prevention

Residential

• Have your soil tested for fertilizer recommendations
• Use the right amount of fertilizer at the right time
• Use as little pesticide as possible
• Water lawns only when needed
• Leave grass clippings on lawns
• Have septic system pumped every 3 to 5 years
• Conserve water
• Recycle motor oil at a Southeastern Public Service Authority collection facility or a participating service station
• Take household hazardous waste to one of the Southeastern Public Service Authority's collection stations

Agricultural

• Use Best Management Practices (BMPs)
• Use a nutrient management plan
• Use conservation tillage
• Use buffer strips along lakes, streams and wetlands
• Protect well heads

Recreational

• Obey boating regulations, speed limits and NO WAKE signs
• Obey hunting and fishing regulations

Lake Smith/Lake Lawson Initiative

The Lake Smith/Lake Lawson Initiative was formed to address nonpoint source pollution concerns within the watershed. The goals of the project committee are to:

• Promote nonpoint source pollution prevention through information and education
• Co-sponsor teacher workshops
• Promote the use of urban and agricultural nutrient management and best management practices
• Sponsor watershed lake cleanups
• Promote watershed understanding through public meetings

Other agencies and groups involved with nonpoint source pollution

City of Norfolk
City of Virginia Beach
USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service
Virginia Soil and Water Conservation Districts
Virginia Beach Cooperative Extension

If you would like more information about the Lake Smith/Lake Lawson Initiative or would be interested in volunteering to help, please e-mail with your name, address, and phone number.

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EMERGENCY NUMBERS:

Water or Sewer Main Breaks (757) 823-1000

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Miss Utility (Call Before You Dig)

1-800-552-7001