Virginia § 62.1-104 - Definitions
Full text of Virginia Code of Virginia § 62.1-104 — Definitions, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 62.1-104. Definitions
(1) Except as modified below, the definitions contained in Title 1 shall apply in this chapter.
(2) "Board" means the State Water Control Board. However, when used outside the context of the promulgation of regulations, including regulations to establish general permits, pursuant to this chapter, "Board" means the Department of Environmental Quality.
(3) "Impounding structure" means a man-made device, whether a dam across a watercourse or other structure outside a watercourse, used or to be used for the authorized storage of flood waters for subsequent beneficial use.
(4) "Watercourse" means a natural channel having a well-defined bed and banks and in which water flows when it normally does flow. For the purposes hereof they shall be limited to rivers, creeks, streams, branches, and other watercourses which are nonnavigable in fact and which are wholly within the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth.
(5) "Riparian land" is land which is contiguous to and touches a watercourse. It does not include land outside the watershed of the watercourse. Real property under common ownership and which is not separated from riparian land by land of any other ownership shall likewise be deemed riparian land, notwithstanding that such real property is divided into tracts and parcels which may not bound upon the watercourse.
(6) "Riparian owner" is an owner of riparian land.
(7) "Average flow" means the average discharge of a stream at a particular point and normally is expressed in cubic feet per second. It may be determined from actual measurements or computed from the most accurate information available.
(8) "Diffused surface waters" are those which, resulting from precipitation, flow down across the surface of the land until they reach a watercourse, after which they become parts of streams.
(9) "Floodwaters" means water in a stream which is over and above the average flow.
(10) "Court" means the circuit court of the county or city in which an impoundment is located or proposed to be located.
Code 1950, § 62-94.1; 1956, c. 632; 1958, c. 638; 1968, c. 659; 1977, c. 26; 2022, c. 356.
Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia § 62.1-104
What does Code of Virginia § 62.1-104 cover?
Section 62.1-104 ("Definitions") is part of the Code of Virginia, the codified statutory law of Virginia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Virginia § 62.1-104?
A common citation format is "Code of Virginia § 62.1-104" (Virginia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Virginia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Virginia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Virginia attorney.
How does Virginia § 62.1-104 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Virginia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Virginia.