Although government and decision-makers have policy choices to make about adapting to environmental changes for the whole Eastern Shore, regular people are also figuring out how to respond to coastal challenges. Here are some approaches.
Septic issues
SEPTIC MAINTENANCE
Regular cleaning of your septic tank is important to make sure toilet waste does not overflow underground. Check how often your tank needs to be pumped based on how large it is and how many people use the toilet.
INSTALLING MOUND SEPTIC SYSTEMS
Some people in areas where the groundwater is close to the surface build a small mound to make the ground higher and raise the drain field. They use a pump to move the wastewater up higher on the mound to drain. Mound systems can work better than conventional systems in places where the ground is often too wet.
INSTALLING RECLAMATION AND REUSE SYSTEMS
These compact systems fit in a garage or utility room. They are fully automated to remove solids, soluble organic material, ammonia, and bacteria from wastewater. This reduces groundwater use and lets residents reuse water for laundry, flushing the toilet, and watering your plants.
INSTALLING ALTERNATIVE SEPTIC SYSTEMS
Some people use special septic systems that treat wastewater before it goes into the ground. These systems can filter out more pollutants and reduce harmful bacteria, which helps in areas where the soil is too wet for a regular septic system. These systems can be costly to install and maintain. Septic repair and installation grants are available through local government and the Planning District Commission.
COMMUNITY SEPTIC
A community system spreads financial and maintenance burdens among multiple property owners. Towns can apply for grants to install A) municipal wastewater infrastructure, where possible or B) a community septic system that could be used by many houses.
Flooded fields
RE-DITCHING
Some farmers on the Eastern Shore are figuring out how to fill or redirect ditches that let in flood water.
INSTALLING DRAINAGE TILES
Drainage tiles, or underground pipes, are another tool farmers use to drain their fields quickly.
PLANTING WETLAND GRASSES
Wetland grasses native to the Coastal Plain can also help absorb water. Plant them in and along ditches to reduce erosion. If they grow tall, their long roots will soak up more water. Some suitable grasses that also provide important pollinator and bird habitat are bushy bluestem (Andropogon glomeratus), Virginia wild rye (Elymus virginicus), switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), and woolgrass (Scirpus cyperinus).
INSTALLING RAIN CAPTURE LANDSCAPING
Residents with frequently flooded yards can also replace short lawns with tall native grasses, plant them in ditches, or install rain gardens to capture runoff. The Virginia Conservation Assistance Program provides grants for lawn replacement and rain garden installations. Find out more at https://vaswcd.org/landowner-vcap-landing/.
Flooded roads
PRIORITIZE FREQUENTLY FLOODED AREAS FOR MAINTENANCE
Some communities and roads are more likely to flood than others. Roads may flood more often if they are downhill from paved areas or in places where culverts are blocked. The municipal government can prioritize these areas for drainage upgrades, culvert clearing, and emergency response systems.
ELEVATE ROADS
Putting some roads on higher ground may keep them from flooding as frequently during ordinary rain events.
ABANDON UNNECESSARY ROADS
If a road is not the only way to get to place and it is frequently flooded, the road could be discontinued. Planning access roads in less-flooded areas is best.
CAPTURE WATER
Collecting water and slowing it down can also help. Homeowners can build rain gardens with native plants to catch water and let it sink in. Berms, or small earth mounds, can help catch and direct water to sink into the ground on your property. The Virginia Conservation Assistance Program provides grants to replace hard driveways with permeable pavers and install landscaping to capture rainwater. Find out more at https://vaswcd.org/landowner-vcap-landing/.
Drought
PLAN FOR DIFFERENT OUTCOMES
Eastern Shore communities will need to plan for both extreme dry and wet conditions in the next 75 years. Monitoring the soil moisture is also important, both for farmers and the communities who depend on them.
CAPTURE WATER
Capturing water from gutters in rain gardens and rain barrels may help slow water down during flash flood events. Residents can build rain gardens and install rain barrels with grants from the Soil and Water Conservation District. Find out more at https://vaswcd.org/landowner-vcap-landing/.
Salty soil
RE-DITCHING
Some farmers on the Eastern Shore are figuring out how to fill or redirect ditches that let in flood water.
PLANTING SALT-TOLERANT CROPS
Planting crops that can survive saltwater is another option. Scientists in Virginia are also researching crops that grow in saltier, wetter soils. Sorghum is one of these salt-tolerant crops that grows well on the ESVA. Others include rice and quinoa. These crops may help farmers keep farming in fields where saltwater is increasing.
CREATING NATURAL BARRIERS
Natural barriers against saltwater flooding include wetlands, dunes, and native vegetation. They absorb wave energy and limit erosion, which keeps saltwater from getting as far into the soil.
INSTALL SALTWATER FILTERS AT HOME
Residents who are worried about salt in their water supply can install filters on their faucets. Filters may be less expensive than bottled water long term.
Drinking water
BUILD COMMUNITY WELL SYSTEMS
Community well systems supply water to more than one private person. They can ensure a safe water supply by relocating the well to higher ground.
TEST WELLS REGULARLY
Regular well testing is recommended by the Virginia Department of Health, but it is not yet required by law. Towns can record and monitor salt water coming into their wells.
COLLECT RAINWATER AND REUSE GRAY WATER
By collecting rainwater in barrels to use for landscaping or other outdoor use, people can reduce how much fresh water they draw from wells.
INSTALL A SALTWATER FILTER
Some people in towns with salty tap water buy bottled water to drink, but residents can also install a reverse osmosis filter under the sink.
IMPROVE DITCH PLANNING
Filling or redirecting ditches that connect to tidal creeks is another option to keep storm surge from flooding fields with saltwater.
CREATE NATURAL FLOOD BARRIERS
Conserving and creating natural flood barriers can help too. Natural barriers against flooding include salt marshes, dunes, and native vegetation. They absorb wave energy and limit erosion, which keeps saltwater from getting farther into the soil.
GET INVOLVED IN WATER MANAGEMENT
Laws that stop too much groundwater pumping can protect the aquifers from saltwater getting pulled in. The State Water Control Board designated the Eastern Shore as a Groundwater Management Area, which means that using groundwater requires a permit from the VA Department of Environmental Quality. The Eastern Shore Groundwater Committee meets monthly and offers virtual public participation.
To learn more and get involved with the Groundwater Committee, click here.
To learn more and contact the advisory committee, click here.
IMPORT WATER
If other options aren’t available, a region can supplement its water supply from other areas.