By Barbara Coe and Valerie Bagby - August 2025

If you are buying or selling a home, you should know that Virginia passed a law effective July 1, 2025, on how septic system inspections are conducted during real estate transactions.  This new law includes standards for septic inspections, enhancing consumer protection and clarifying septic inspector limitations.

Here are a few informative articles with responsibilities of realtors and septic professionals:

NEW Septic System Inspection Legislation Coming July 1st - Virginia REALTORS®

Virginia Passes HB2671: Standardizing Septic Inspections — Onsite Wastewater Professionals

When working with a realtor to buy or sell a home on Septic, you should ask about the new Virginia septic inspection requirements.

A home's septic system is a critical and expensive asset of the home.  Knowing and complying with the home's septic system capabilities and limitations is equally as important for both the buyer and seller.  The last thing anyone wants when selling or purchasing a home is having costly repairs or problems with their septic system.

In Virginia, homes with septic systems should have an operation permit issued by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) that clearly states (e.g., septic system size, design capacity in gallons per day, bedroom count) what the septic system is designed to handle.  Septic professionals, realtors or yourself can obtain the operation permit (VDH septic permit) from VDH.

For home sellers, ask your realtor to order the operation permit (VDH septic permit) at the time of listing, it may spare you a headache during the sales process.

For home buyers, consider asking for the operation permit (VDH septic permit) and strongly consider your options for having a septic inspection done prior to purchasing the home.

Proper use and maintenance of septic systems are important to the environment and to Lake Anna.

This new Virginia septic law is a major step forward with many benefits for septic professionals, real estate agents, home buyers, and home sellers.

Editor's Note: This article was submitted by two LACA members that are not on the board, Valerie Bagby and Barbara Coe.  All LACA members are encouraged to submit interesting and relevant articles for consideration for publication in LACA's periodic newsletter.  If you would like to submit an article for consideration, please email your article to jd.edwards@lakeannavirginia.org

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or real estate advice. Home buyers and sellers should consult with qualified real estate professionals, septic inspectors, or legal counsel for specific guidance.

By Irene Luck – August 2025

Each year LACA presents the Jack Bertron Distinguished Service Award to an individual or organization that has gone above and beyond on behalf of the Lake Anna community.  Originally known as the LACA Good Neighbor Award, the commendation has been presented at the annual meeting since 1996.  Following the death of Jack Bertron, founder of LACA, the award was renamed in 2002 to recognize his dedication to the Lake Anna community.

This year’s winners, Pat and Jane Gallagher, have made quite an impact on the Lake Anna community by spearheading the efforts to have fire and rescue services located at the lake.  And once New Bridge Station 8 was established, they didn’t sit back and relax.  They have continued to raise money for the extras for the station for the benefit of the lake residents and guests.

The Gallaghers were unable to make the annual meeting in person on Saturday, July 26 so the award was presented on Monday, July 21 at the Foundation for Lake Anna Emergency Services board meeting.

“This award is given for those who have gone way above the call of duty,” said Greg Baker, LACA president.  “You certainly have done that.”

Harry Looney, who works closely with Pat Gallagher, spoke about the Foundation’s successful efforts.  Gallagher leads a water quality monitoring team as part of LACA’s Water Quality Committee and several of his monitoring team were also in attendance.

The initial goal of the Foundation was to raise $100,000 to assist in constructing the facility, located on New Bridge Road just north of the Food Lion shopping center.  But the foundation didn’t stop there.  The group, led by the Gallaghers, continue to raise money for the station to use to purchase extra equipment and have amassed over $700,000 in donations from their efforts.

“Just like LACA, we know when we say ‘you’ we know it’s more than just you two,” Looney said.  “But every effort needs great leadership at the top to achieve its goals and you two have been that leadership.  We congratulate you and applaud you for your efforts in this project.”

Duane Adams, Mineral District representative on the Louisa County Board of Supervisors, also attended the presentation remembering in 2019 when the Gallaghers called him to talk about the need for a fire station.  He and the fire chief at the time met with the Gallaghers and the ball got rolling.

“On behalf of the Board and me personally, since I live in this fire district, I congratulate you.  You have to have the right people in leadership to achieve something like this and you have the two right people,” he said.  “They have spent untold amounts of their time, energy and effort making this happen and getting the right people to work with them.  If we didn’t have the right people spearheading this effort back in 2019, we would probably still be looking at a dog park instead of a fire and EMS station.”

To learn more about the Gallaghers and the Foundation or to donate to their fundraising efforts, visit their website at www.newbridgerescue.com or their Facebook page at Residents for 24/7EMS @LKA.

Recent past winners of the Jack Bertron Distinguished Service Award have included Harry Looney, Chris Lee and Elk Creek Farm - the Morris and Chisholm families.  Others who have received the honor include the late Louis and Claudia Chisholm, Doug Smith, the late Del. V. Earl Dickinson, George O’Connell, Herb Distefano, Ken Remmers, James Beckley, and Rebecca Vigon.

Nominees for the award are solicitated from LACA members and board members in April with the board of directors making the final decision at their July meeting.  Nominees should be selected for their outstanding work or acts performed for the benefit of the Association members and the Lake Anna community at large with such efforts of such significance that great foresight or extensive and difficult work was demonstrated.  The work should be in accord with LACA’s mission, goals and objectives.  Nominees do not have to be members of LACA and can include agency or organization representatives that work with LACA’s committees to better the community.

Pictured left to right are: Duane Adams, Greg Baker, Pat Gallagher, Jane Gallagher and Harry Looney.

irene.luck@lakeannavirginia.org

By Irene Luck - July 2025

In the past year, LACA has been working on an initiative to increase its membership to 1,000 households.  But why is that number important? Because it gives us clout.  When we speak to the local county Boards of Supervisors, the Lake Anna Advisory Committee, and our State and Federal representatives to inform them about issues affecting Lake Anna, we believe it will be helpful to be able to let them know we represent more than 1,000 households and speak on their behalf.

Many of you have been longtime members and your support is greatly appreciated but now it’s time for us to ask for your help.  Are your neighbors members?  Do they even know that LACA exists and how it serves the lake community?  Please ask your neighbors if they are members and, if not, please suggest they join by going to lakeannavirginia.org and selecting the Join Us Now button near the top of the homepage.

Unsure about how to explain why LACA is important and why membership in the organization is valuable to them? Here are some suggested topics to bring up:

When you are out enjoying the lake do you use the glossy map with the landmarks you picked up at one of the marinas to know where you are?  Those are designed and printed by LACA as part of its Emergency Services and Safety Committee.  Have you seen the yellow signs on many of the docks or islands that contain a letter [L, S, O] and a number?  Those are location signs that bring emergency services personnel to you faster in an emergency.  They can also be used if you have boat trouble.  When you call 9-1-1 and give them those references dispatchers can locate you immediately through GIS coordinates and send help both by water and land.  Have you noticed the names on the bridges?  They are also a project of LACA’s Emergency Services and Safety Committee.

The committee also supports a subcommittee known as LARG – the Lake Anna Rescue Group – which coordinates regular meetings with the Louisa, Spotsylvania and Orange counties sheriffs’ offices, dispatch centers, career and volunteer emergency services agencies as well as Dominion representatives, members of the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources and U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.  They hold practice drills and ensure that all agencies working on Lake Anna can communicate effectively with each other in an emergency.

LACA is the only organization in the three-county region that monitors potential residential and commercial growth around the lake and works with developers to ensure the lake is protected and preserved.  By working at the start of the project, LACA can recommend strategies that keep the lake clean and safe including recommending ways to avoid pollutants entering the lake and protecting the shoreline.

LACA is also the only volunteer organization that tests the lake regularly for a variety of parameters and works in conjunction with the Department of Environmental Quality.  It lobbies other agencies for funding for Harmful Algal Bacteria [HAB] monitoring and remediation and seeks grants to help reduce impurities in the lake.

LACA volunteers track legislation on the local, state and national level and will put out notices, called e-grams, to members about upcoming meetings where issues impacting the lake are discussed or where development is seeking approval.

Your membership gives power to LACA’s voice on these topics. 

If you would like additional information, connect with us at one of our outreach events.  We will be at the Mineral Farmers Market on Saturday, July 19 and Saturday, August 16 from 8-12 p.m.  Or bring them to our annual meeting on Saturday, July 26 at the North Anna Nuclear Information Center where they can sign up as a member for as little as $25 a year.  If they are lake front property owners and sign up for a 3-year membership at $60 they can receive a free yellow dock sign.

Have more questions, reach out to us at webmaster@lakeannavirginia.org or one of our board members or regional directors through our website at www.lakeannavirginia.org. 

irene.luck@lakeannavirginia.org

By Harry Looney – July 2025

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) announced significant changes to its Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Recreational Advisory Protocol, effective for the current HAB season starting in April 2025. The most notable update is the removal of cyanobacteria cell counts as a primary trigger for issuing public health advisories. Moving forward, advisories will be based solely on the confirmed presence and concentration of cyanotoxins in water samples.

The VDH states that this revision, developed in collaboration with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), aims to allow for more extensive and targeted monitoring of algal toxins and to align Virginia's approach with updated recommendations from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

What's Changing and Why?

Previously, VDH utilized a "hybrid approach”, issuing advisories if either elevated cell counts of potentially toxigenic cyanobacteria or elevated toxin concentrations exceeded established thresholds. This conservative approach was adopted due to limited historical data on the relationship between cell densities and toxin levels.

However, after five years of data collection and analysis (2020-2024), VDH and DEQ determined that high cell counts do not always correlate with elevated toxin levels that pose a direct human health risk. Cell counts at Lake Anna have been exceeded each year since 2018 but none of the samples that were collected during this timeframe contained toxins above advisory levels. Based on these data of low toxin levels at Lake Anna and other lakes and waterbodies across the state, even when the cell counts greatly exceeded the established level of concern threshold, the VDH and DEQ decided to manage recreational advisories based on the actual presence of toxins, which are the direct cause of health concerns.

The new protocol emphasizes:

• Toxin-First Approach: Advisories will now be triggered when one or more of the four monitored cyanotoxins (microcystins, cylindrospermopsin, anatoxin-a, saxitoxin) exceed VDH's established health thresholds.
• Increased Certainty: VDH believes this change will increase the certainty that an advisory signifies a substantial health risk from HAB toxins, rather than just the presence of a high concentration of algae cells that may or may not be producing toxins.
• Alignment with EPA: This shift is consistent with EPA's recommendations, which prioritize toxin concentrations for recreational water quality criteria.

Community Concerns and Ongoing Advocacy

While the VDH highlights the scientific basis for this change, organizations like the Lake Anna Civic Association (LACA) and the Smith Mountain Lake Association (SMLA) have expressed significant concerns. They argue that removing cell counts as a primary trigger could:

• Reduce Proactive Warnings: Potentially delay public notification, as advisories would only be issued after toxins reach harmful levels, rather than during the early stages of bloom development when cell densities are already substantial.
• Increase Exposure Risk: Expose recreational users, especially vulnerable populations like children and pets, to potentially harmful conditions before toxins are confirmed.
• Undermine Funding for Mitigation: Diminish the perceived severity of HAB problems, potentially weakening the case for continued investment in mitigation strategies aimed at reducing the underlying causes of high cell densities, such as nutrient loading.
• Lose Early Warning Capability: Cell counts are often a cost-effective and rapid indicator of potential HAB development, preceding significant increases in detectable toxin concentrations. Sole reliance on reactive toxin testing may not adequately capture the temporal dynamics of bloom development.

What This Means for Lake Users and How to Stay Informed

Despite the protocol change, VDH and DEQ emphasize that they will continue to use all available information to analyze and alert the public to bloom risks.

It remains crucial for lake users to exercise caution. VDH advises avoiding contact with any discolored water, water that has an odor, or where dead or dying animals are observed. If contact occurs, rinse the affected area with clean water.

To stay informed about HAB events and advisories in Virginia:

• Bookmark www.SwimHealthyVa.com: This VDH website is the primary source for current HAB updates and recreational advisories.
• Utilize the HAB Online Report Form: If you suspect an algal bloom or scum, report it to VDH within 24-48 hours using their online form. Geographic coordinates and a picture of the bloom are essential for accurate reporting.
• Report Health Complaints: For suspected HAB-related health complaints, call the HAB Hotline at 1-888-238-6154.

The VDH and DEQ will continue to monitor Virginia's waterways, and public cooperation in reporting suspected blooms remains a vital component of protecting recreational health.

harry.looney@lakeannavirginia.org

By Mark Debord – July 2025

Do you have an erosion issue caused by excess stormwater runoff? The Virginia Conservation Assistance Program (VCAP) may be able to help. VCAP’s primary program goal is to reimburse homeowners for the cost of installing stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs) that reduce nutrient and sediment runoff. As we all know, reducing the nutrients and sediments entering the lake makes a healthier water system.

Among others, BMPs under the VCAP program include conservation landscaping, green roofs, rain gardens, impervious surface removal and vegetated stormwater conveyance. Depending on the type of practice involved, VCAP can reimburse up to 80% of the costs of a program, subject to dollar limits. New construction is not eligible for VCAP funding, only retrofitting of existing conditions.

VCAP is administered through local Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD). Depending on your location on the lake, you will be in the Thomas Jefferson SWCD (Louisa), Tri-County SWCD (Spotsylvania) or Culpeper SWCD (Orange).

Applications are considered on a competitive basis, and funding is limited. Once a homeowner submits an application, SWCD staff will review and determine if a site visit is appropriate. They will then work with you to determine the most appropriate BMP and help plan the design. The application then goes to the SWCD board and VCAP staff for review and approval.

For more information, please visit the VCAP page of your local SWCD. Below is a link to the home page for the VCAP program in Virginia. In addition to a description of the program and types of issues it is meant to address, it contains links to each of the local SWCDs.

Landowner Next Steps for VCAP - Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts

mark.debord@lakeannavirginia.org

By Mark Debord – June 2025

Lake Anna and the surrounding area are blessed with an abundance of plant life. While many of these are beautiful and provide a number of benefits, some are highly toxic. A full description of poisonous plants at the lake would take several articles. Here, we focus on three. The first, Water Hemlock, is one of the most toxic plants in North America. The other two, Pokeweed and Elderberry, produce berries that may be mistaken, especially by children, of other foods that are safe to eat.  Each of these plants is native to Virginia and occurs throughout the Commonwealth, including here at Lake Anna.

Water Hemlock

As noted, Water Hemlock is one of the most toxic plants in North America. While it does not appear at first glance to be an attractive edible, some mistake it for other plants in the carrot family that have edible parts. However, all parts of the plant, especially the roots, are toxic. Ingesting the toxic plant can lead to seizures and even death in as little as 15 minutes.

Pokeweed

For those who have heard of “poke salad”, this is the origin of that term. Early spring shoots can be eaten, but only if prepared properly (I don’t recommend it). The rest of the plant can be toxic. Pokeweed blooms in Summer and produces a cluster of small berries that ripen in the Fall. Though these berries resemble grapes or blueberries, they are toxic to humans. Symptoms include nausea, convulsions, and other gastrointestinal issues.

Common Elderberry

Of the two types of Elderberry native to Virginia, Common Elderberry is the one we are more likely to see around Lake Anna. Common Elderberry produces small dark purple to almost black berries. All parts of the plant can be toxic, though the ripe berries can be eaten if cooked properly (know what you are doing before trying this). Elderberry plants are in bloom now and the berries will ripen in Summer.

For more information on these and other poisonous plants in Virginia, please see The Socrates Project, compiled by the Virginia Master Naturalist Program and the University of Virginia.

SOCRATES-PROJECT-Jan2021.pdf

mark.debord@lakeannavirginia.org

By David Reichert – June 2025

A prior article in the LACA Newsletter¹ described how shoreline plantings can absorb nutrients that are being washed into the lake. Floating islands effectively create additional area for what are normally shoreline plants in order to consume more nutrients. Another LACA Newsletter explained the correlation between high nutrient levels in the lake and HAB². LACA with support from Dominion Energy and DuPont have installed trial floating islands on the lake. The commercial floating islands cost about $1000 and the 1^st generation homemade islands cost under $100. The initial trials with these floating islands were a big success for the commercial islands, but the homemade islands didn’t hold up to boat wakes. LACA bought some more commercial floating islands, but what if we could increase the number of islands without the high cost?

Last summer, as the kids were running across our floating foam mat, a long tear opened as one of the boys stepped through the mat. The mat was no longer suitable as a play place, but what if it could be made to mimic the commercial floating islands? Some flexible glue, a box cutter, a hole saw, drill bits, some labor, and I had a floating island. The results can be seen in the photo below.

The commercial islands use a much higher density of planting holes, so we’ll incorporate that in our 3rd generation homemade floating island. What we need from you is your old foam mat. We’ll cut them so that we can stack them 4 high. Generation 2 used glue, but generation 3 will use stainless bolts, nuts and washers to hold the islands together. We’ll cut 3” diameter holes through 3 layers to hold the plants and the coconut coir that holds the plant in place. The last steps are to drill 5 each ½” holes through the bottom layer, add the plants and anchor the island offshore. We use stainless eye bolts as the anchor points for the island.

Now that you know how to make a floating island, you can either do it yourself or donate your mat to LACA and we’ll turn it into a floating island. In either case, LACA will provide plants for the island. Reach out to me by email (David.Reichert@lakeannavirginia.org) or phone (804-291-8495) if you have a mat to donate or need plants for your own island.

1 “Protecting Lake Anna’s Shoreline,” Lake Anna Civic Association - Protecting Lake Anna’s Shoreline

2“Update on the Phosphorus Remediation Program at Lake Anna,”Lake Anna Civic Association - Update on the Phosphorus Remediation Program at Lake Anna

david.reichert@lakeannavirginia.org

By John Wayne – June 2025

It would seem from the articles in the local papers and newsletters that development is all around our quiet and peaceful Lake.  As we head into the summer season, there are several developments, commercial, residential and leisure, continuing to come into view around Lake Anna.  I thought it would be interesting to piece this together as best I can through my own investigation and through the reporting of the new and growing local media outlets around the lake.

If you start with the Louisa side of the “New Bridge” the so called “Lake Anna Resort” is still a thing, or perhaps a bigger thing?  You will remember that the developer met with the Louisa Board of Supervisors early this year and ended up withdrawing, for now,  his request to expand the number of smaller condo units and thereby the total number of condos, while offering what was considered by the Board of Supervisors to be a “paltry” proffer of funds to the Fluvanna/Louisa Housing and Lake Anna Emergency foundations.  The request was pulled back during the meeting and prior to a vote so that the developer can work within the system to see if he can produce a plan that is able to gain approval. Meanwhile, there has been no outward appearance of progress for this development.

Continuing west about a half mile, 15 acres of land fronting 208 on the south side near Station 8 is expected to become a commercial development, housing professional service providers, and other businesses.  This tract is being developed by the M Group, who are making a splash in the area through local media blurbs and meetings with various constituencies.  One stated goal is to bring some form of healthcare closer to the lake.  They would prefer a Free-Standing ER over an Urgent Care facility however the demographics of our area are making this a difficult proposition.  We will see what types of professional services they can attract to this development as it progresses.

On the private side down Kentucky Springs Road there continues to be residential development activity on the private side at Rock Island Landing part II which will turn 137 acres of land into a 74 lot waterfront subdivision on the private side of the lake off Elk Creek Road.

Looping back towards Wares Crossroads on 208, Cutalong continues to move forward, gaining the support of County officials for their continued changes, including taking their road system and the entire community private, as in a gated community, and continued plans for over 800 housing units of varying sizes, shapes and functions.  The long-awaited Clubhouse is expected to be completed in July and there is a rumor that another golf course is coming within the next couple of years.  The stated goal they are pursuing is a premier destination resort at Lake Anna.

Moving to Wares Crossroads, there are two, perhaps three commercial developments underway.  Roundabout Plaza is taking shape with a groundbreaking ceremony held in January.  This retail, food, and sports complex of approximately 30,000 sq ft. is expected to house the Lazy Parrot sports bar, a Gym, the Mad Batter from Mineral, and perhaps others.  On both sides of Mansfield Road and past the roundabout across from Dickinson’s store, land making up what has been dubbed the Lake Anna Gateway is reported to have been sold to a “local development family” who intends to bring the long-awaited next grocery store, casual dining and other desired services to the area.  This land has also been cleared of trees in the past two months.  On the opposite side of the Louisa Transfer Station, where the other trees are missing, there are rumors of another commercial/services store front coming.

Heading north on 522 and into Spotsy, Dollar General is adding another store at the southeast corner of 522 and Monrovia Road.  The building has gone up at lightning speed, and I will be surprised if it is not open for business sometime this summer.  A bit further east down Monrovia Road (612), there remains the uncompleted development of Goodwin Cove which the late David Hunter had planned.  Rumor is that another developer is working to take over and complete this, and perhaps other uncompleted Hunter projects around the lake.  This development is slated for 35 homes.

Across the 522 bridge, into Orange County, but still in Spotsy, I do expect a residential development on what has been called the Hayden property.  Having been around twice with Spotsylvania County on different plans for this land, it now seems it will be developed in accordance with the “by right” limitations of the current zoning which is 12 residential houses.  No word on timing or exactly what this will look like.

Heading back around Days Bridge Road, off 719, in the headwaters area of Plentiful Creek, there is a small development planned for two parcels of land.  Under the current zoning designations for both parcels of land the yield of "by right" lots able to be subdivided is 16.  The developer desires to subdivide the smaller of the two parcels into 16 waterfront lots, donating most of the other parcel to the County to be added to Jett Park, with road access to the new subdivision off 719 on the north side of the expanded Jett Park.  This plan is in the initial stages, having held the required Community meeting in February 2025. While this area of the County generally requires residential lots to be a minimum of two acres, the developer is maneuvering to take advantage of the “lakeside exception” permitting the placement of houses on as little as one acre of land at the waterfront.

Continuing around on the Spotsylvania side of the lake in the “208 corridor” the rumors surrounding the Hairfield property continue to swirl.  Originally submitted to the County early in 2023, I expect the last application including three parcels of land totaling 238 acres to be withdrawn while work continues on a new application. Included in the new application will likely be the parcels formerly identified in the Towns at Point Seanna application, which was never approved.  You may recall that the “Town’s” application, filed by the late David Hunter to develop the point across from Anna Point Marina with commercial and town house residential development, had stalled.  Now this property may be destined to be added to the commercial development in the next Hairfield submission.  Sources within the County indicate they expect an entirely new submission package for the rezoning of the total development.  I expect the residential development to remain single family detached under the PDH-1 zoning, permitting houses on one acre lots.  The commercial development could be far more extensive with the additional parcel and the attractive options that come with waterfront.  This will essentially place the Hairfield application back at square one with a new zoning application and GDP that will outline the development in its entirety.

The Lake Anna region is clearly ripe with development.  This is not the totality of development around the lake but a good sampling.  The governing bodies in both Louisa and Spotsylvania counties have a desire for commercial development in what they refer to as the Lake Anna Corridor, Rt. 208, on both sides of the bridge.  LACA encourages you to be active with the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors of these two counties, letting them know your thoughts on future development in our growing area. Continue to watch our website, https://lakeannavirginia.org for details on these and other developments around the lake.  Also, there is only one of me, so if there is a Land Use issue that you are concerned about that I have not mentioned here, please send me an email at john.wayne@lakeannavirginia.org, and I will look in to it.

By Barbara Coe and Valerie Bagby – June 2025

Short Term Rentals (STR’s) continue to be a hot topic at Lake Anna.  Quality of Life is important to both full and part-time residents.  Many citizens remain concerned about overcrowded STR’s taxing septic systems.

In May 2025, Louisa County sent letters to registered STR owners and operators reminding them of the STR ordinance and requirements for operation under County and State laws.  STR owners and operators are responsible for compliance and for ensuring that renters are aware of the relevant requirements.

To manage this process, Louisa County just instituted getting monthly call logs from the sheriff’s office to track complaints.  If there is a complaint lodged against an STR, owners and operators will receive a letter citing the applicable county rules that were alleged to be violated.

Citizen complaints about STRs renting beyond their occupancy capacity, as determined by the Virginia Department of Health’s (VDH) septic system regulations, will also receive a letter.  Additionally, these complaints will be sent to VDH.

Per the Louisa County letter, “Please ensure compliance with all relevant requirements.  Noncompliant properties will not be able to operate as short-term rentals without a Conditional Use Permit from the Louisa County’s Board of Supervisors.”

Here are important Louisa County links that can help citizens.

• STR background information Short-Term Rental Ordinance | Louisa County, VA
• STR Ordinance DIVISION 4. - ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS | Code of Ordinances | Louisa County, VA | Municode Library
• STR Neighbor FAQ’s STR Neighbor FAQs | Louisa County, VA

There are 4 ways citizens can report a potential code violation 

• RequestTracker • Louisa County, VA • CivicEngage
• Email the Community Development Department’s Code Enforcement Division at CodeEnforcement@Louisa.org.
• Phone 540-967-3430 to reach the Office of Community Development.
• Submit an anonymous complaint through the Louisa County website at louisacounty.gov/3302/Anonymous-Concern. NOTE: Do not log into the website when submitting the form if you wish to remain anonymous in this process.

We respect LACA’s position as NOT opposing Short Term Rentals, but as advocating for stated and practical occupancy limits for environmental and safety reasons.

The authors of this letter and LACA encourage you to let your voice be heard regarding your experiences with STR’s in your neighborhood!

Editor’s Note: This article was submitted by two LACA members that are not on the board, Valerie Bagby and Barbara Coe. All LACA members are encouraged to submit interesting and relevant articles for consideration of publication in LACA’s periodic newsletter. If you would like to submit an article for consideration, please email your article to jd.edwards@lakeannavirginia.org

By Greg Baker, President, Lake Anna Civic Association - April 2025

Wake surfing has become one of Lake Anna’s most popular recreational activities—but it has also raised significant concerns among many residents. In fact, wake surfing remains one of the top issues reported by LACA members.

What Our Members Are Saying

According to LACA’s biennial surveys conducted in 2019, 2021, and 2023:

• 87% of respondents believe wake surfing should be limited to areas at least 900 feet wide.

• 83% support the creation of additional no wake surfing zones.

• 73% have experienced adverse effects from waves generated by wake surf boats.

These numbers reflect growing concerns about safety, shoreline erosion, property damage, and the broader environmental health of the lake.

The Science Behind Wake Surfing Wakes

Wake surf boats are engineered to produce large, powerful waves that allow riders to surf without a rope. However, these waves are significantly larger and more forceful than those produced by other water sports.

• A University of Quebec study found that surf boat wakes hitting the shore from 500 feet away were twice as destructive as wakes from water ski boats at the same distance.

• A University of Minnesota study showed that wakes from surf boats 600 feet away still generated more impact than water ski boats only 200 feet from shore.

Leading researchers in wake science—including Jeffrey Marr (University of Minnesota), Yves Prairie (University of Quebec), and Sebastien Raymond (University of Laval)—have independently concluded that wake surfing should take place at least 600 to 984 feet (300 meters) from shore to mitigate damage. The farther the wake is from the shoreline, the more its force is naturally dissipated.

Environmental Impacts and Algal Blooms

In addition to shoreline damage, wake surfing may be contributing to harmful algal blooms (HABs) in Lake Anna. These blooms are driven in part by the release of phosphorus from disturbed lake sediment—a process accelerated by wake surf boats.

• Ballasted wake surf boats use heavy onboard tanks to generate larger wakes. These boats often operate low in the water, with downward-facing propellers that stir up sediment.

• A University of Western Colorado study found that surf boat propellers disturb lake bottoms even at depths of 20 feet, releasing phosphorus trapped in the sediment. 

Lake Anna has experienced recreational no-swim advisories for seven consecutive years, primarily in upper lake areas. Reducing activities that stir sediment and promote nutrient release is a key strategy in addressing these blooms.

Key Concerns Around Wake Surfing on Lake Anna

1. Shoreline erosion, especially in unprotected areas.

2. Damage to protective structures such as riprap and bulkheads.

3. Safety hazards for swimmers and people boarding boats at docks.

4. Incompatibility with fishing and other water sports like kayaking, paddle boarding, and water skiing.

5. Risk of smaller boats taking water over the bow when encountering large surf wakes.

6. Phosphorus release from disturbed sediment and shoreline erosion.

LACA’s Updated Policy

LACA has historically supported compromise on this issue, with prior recommendations including:

• 100-foot setbacks from shore for all towed sports.

• 200-foot setbacks specifically for wake surfing.

However, as boat technology has advanced --- and the science has become clearer—it’s evident that a 200-foot setback is no longer sufficient. After more than a year of board discussions, LACA’s board has unanimously adopted a new position:

LACA now supports a 500-foot setback for wake surfing in water at least 20 feet deep, while maintaining a 200-foot setback for all other towed water sports.

This policy reflects a balanced approach: allowing wake surfing to continue on Lake Anna, while safeguarding shorelines, property, and the broader ecosystem.

Education vs. Regulation

The Water Sports Industry Association (WSIA), which is a lobbying organization that represents the wake surf industry, has promoted educational efforts to encourage safe boating practices. These include:

• Avoiding narrow sections of the lake.

• Staying at least 200 feet from shore.

• Reducing repetitive passes in the same area.

LACA supports these educational campaigns. However, education alone has not resolved the issue. At public hearings, it’s common to hear wake surfing advocates downplay the damage their wakes cause or oppose even modest setbacks.

We believe that education must be paired with enforceable setbacks based on science. While WSIA supports 200-foot setbacks, most independent studies recommend significantly larger distances. Our view is that WSIA supports legislation with 200-foot setbacks in their own self-interest because they are keenly aware that the science points to much larger setbacks to protect the shorelines. We believe they are actively supporting codifying the less restrictive setbacks with the assumption that once a law requiring a 200-foot setback is on the books, it would be harder to change. 

Our Plan for Lake-Wide No Wake Surf Zones

LACA’s current initiative is to simplify enforcement and reduce confusion by proposing a lake-wide no wake surf zone in areas where:

• The lake is less than 20 feet deep, or

• It is not possible to surf 500 feet from shore.

LACA supported and still supports both regulatory restrictions and legislation for reasonable setbacks for wake surfing. From these efforts, three no wake surfing zones in the state were established by the Department of Wildlife Resources. I wrote a newsletter article in March of 2021 titled “A Brief History of Virginia’s Three No Wake Surfing Zones.”

Rather than scattering many small zones across the lake, this approach focuses on a few key areas that are most vulnerable. The proposed zones include:

• The upper Pamunkey Creek, northwest of Stubbs Bridge (consolidating three existing zones).

• The North Anna River, west of the narrowing where the lake is under 1,000 feet wide.

• The entirety of Contrary Creek.

• The back end of Pigeon Run.

This policy would still allow wake surfing on approximately 70% of Lake Anna’s length, from the North Anna Dam to the start of the restricted zones.

What’s Next?

Over the coming months, we’ll conduct our 2025 biennial survey to gather updated member input. In parallel, LACA is actively working to educate state elected representatives about the importance of a 500-foot setback for wake surfing.

We believe this policy strikes a thoughtful balance: allowing for safe, fun recreation while protecting the lake, our shoreline, and our community.

We welcome your feedback and thank you for your continued support in keeping Lake Anna safe, enjoyable, and sustainable for generations to come.

greg.baker@lakeannavirginia.org