By Harry Looney - April 2025

We have some encouraging news to share from the Virginia General Assembly regarding their commitment to addressing Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) and protecting the health and future of Lake Anna and our surrounding waterways. 

$750,000 in Funding Secured for Lake Anna HAB Mitigation:

Thanks to persistent advocacy from the Lake Anna Civic Association (LACA), the General Assembly has approved an additional $250,000 in funding specifically for HAB mitigation efforts at Lake Anna. This significant allocation builds upon the $500,000 already included in the state's Fiscal Year 2025 budget, bringing the total state investment for Lake Anna HAB mitigation to $750,000 for the current fiscal year.

This increased funding will be instrumental in supporting the ongoing work of the Lake Anna Advisory Committee (LAAC) and its partners in implementing strategies to reduce excess phosphorus, the primary driver of HABs. These efforts may include the continued application of phosphorus-inactivating products, innovative bioremediation techniques, and other scientifically sound approaches aimed at improving water quality across the upper reservoir where HAB issues have been most persistent.

This positive development underscores the state's recognition of Lake Anna's economic and ecological importance and their willingness to invest in long-term solutions. The additional funds will allow for a more robust and comprehensive approach to tackling the HAB problem in the coming year.

$250,000 Statewide Investment in Freshwater HAB Monitoring and Analysis:

In further positive news for water quality across the Commonwealth, the General Assembly has also approved $250,000 in dedicated funding for the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to enhance freshwater HAB monitoring and analysis statewide.

Currently, DEQ's capacity to monitor and analyze HABs in freshwater systems has been limited due to a lack of dedicated state funding. This new allocation will significantly bolster DEQ's ability to:

• Expand Monitoring Efforts: Increase the frequency and geographic scope of HAB monitoring in lakes, rivers, and other freshwater bodies across Virginia.
• Improve Analytical Capabilities: Invest in advanced equipment and techniques for rapid and accurate identification and toxin analysis of cyanobacteria.

This statewide investment will provide a crucial foundation for understanding the prevalence and risks associated with HABs in Virginia's freshwater ecosystems, ultimately leading to better informed public health advisories and more effective management strategies.

What This Means for Lake Anna:

The dedicated funding for Lake Anna mitigation, coupled with the statewide enhancement of DEQ's monitoring and analysis capabilities, represents a significant step forward in our collective efforts to protect and improve the water quality of our beloved lake. The increased resources will empower local initiatives and provide DEQ with the tools needed to better understand and respond to HAB events.

We extend our sincere gratitude to our state representatives and the General Assembly for recognizing the importance of addressing HABs and investing in the health of Lake Anna and Virginia's freshwater resources. We will continue to work closely with LAAC, DEQ, and other partners to ensure these funds are utilized effectively to achieve meaningful and lasting improvements in Lake Anna's water quality.

Stay tuned for further updates on the implementation of these funding initiatives and opportunities for community involvement in our ongoing efforts.

harry.looney@lakeannavirginia.org