Page County is located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.  Karst topography poses unique water quality challenges with the close interaction between surface water and ground water.  Local land use practices directly affect water quality.  Several streams are currently not meeting the state requirements and have been identified for Total Maximum Daily Load studies.  The Water Quality Advisory Committee supports farmers in implementing best management practices.  Other likely sources of pollution include failing septic systems and other human sources.

The Committee is comprised of members of the community chosen to represent various stakeholders and perspectives, including representatives from: the farming community, health department, cooperative extension, town governments, soil & water conservation district, concerned citizens, a school teacher, recreational water sports and tourism industries.  Other groups have begun to offer assistance to the Committee including the Department of Conservation & Recreation, the National Park Service - Rivers and Trails Department, the UVA - Institute for Environmental Negotiation, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, the Canaan Valley Institute, the Shenandoah Basin Project, and others.