Water Quality Rising - 2026 Update

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Water quality in the Lynnhaven River continues to trend in the right direction.

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The Virginia Department of Health has reopened additional areas of the Eastern Branch of the Lynnhaven River to shellfish harvesting, marking an important milestone for our watershed. Because shellfish harvesting areas are subject to some of the most stringent water quality standards in the country, expanded access is a meaningful indicator of environmental improvement.

The VDH’s Division of Shellfish Sanitation (DSS) is the governmental body responsible for monitoring water quality to ensure that shellfish harvested is safe for human consumption. They also have the authority to close the river for harvesting in emergency situations.

Section C1 — home to LOC’s farm — is included in the newly approved harvest zone, meaning nearly all of our farm is now open. When the Lynnhaven Oyster Club was established five years ago, less than half of the farm was open for harvest. In 2023, the amount of harvestable water increased significantly. Now, in 2026, the condemnation line has been moved further south into the river, expanding the farm to nearly 100% harvestable. Refer to the map to see the previous and current condemnation lines.

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15 March 2026 Updated Section C1 Map

The northern tip of the farm (in Section B) remains in a condemned zone.

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This progress reflects the collective efforts of local watermen, environmental groups, regulators, and community members who are committed to restoring and protecting the Lynnhaven River. The updated maps are not just regulatory changes — they are tangible proof that sustained stewardship and investment in water quality are making a measurable difference.

The takeaway here for members is that water quality is improving in the river. It is hard to single out any one reason. Many contributing factors are in play:

Likely Contributing Factors...

1. Professional and amateur aquaculture activity allows native oyster populations to increase without harvest pressure.

2. Private waterfront homeowner and neighborhood efforts throughout the watershed

3. Responsible residential and commercial development

4. Federal, State, & Non-Profit Organizations restoration programs such as Lynnhaven River Now's tree program or oyster restoraton work (see below).

This is positive news for the area. Keep it up everyone!

We are not the only ones celebrating. Karen Forget of Lynnhaven River Now recently communicated to the organization's Board of Directors with these words:

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"From the beginning of our organization, we have been working to reduce pollution and open more of the Lynnhaven River for shellfish harvest.  The shellfish harvest level is significantly more rigorous than the swimmable/fishable level.  When we began is 2002, 1% of the river met that standard.  By 2007, 7% of the river was open, and we were able to again harvest Lynnhaven oysters for consumption.  Every year we made gains until things leveled off at 47% a few years ago.  We have stayed at that plateau for several years.  Every spring, I receive the new maps from the Virginia Department of Health, Shellfish Sanitation Division, and this year's maps show an increase in open areas of 255 acres, moving our open percent from 47% to 52%!  This is worth celebrating!  And not coincidentally, the new open areas are where we have been doing oyster restoration work in the Eastern Branch of the Lynnhaven and in Linkhorn Bay at the mouths of Little Neck and Great Neck Creeks."

Karen Forget

Lynnhaven River Now

Executive Director

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