The Economic Times

In 2006, Virginia flagged the Rapidan River for failing swimming standards. 18 years later, DEQ removed it from the impaired list after BMPs restored water quality

Rapidan River water quality in Virginia has finally turned a corner after nearly two decades of concern. A section once flagged for failing swimming standards is now off the states impaired-waters list. Virginia DEQ made the change after monitoring showed bacteria levels had improved. Years of best management practices helped reduce pollution entering the river. The result offers a rare example of long-term water restoration working.