The Virginia Water Protection Program (VWP) regulates activities in state surface waters. "State waters" means all water, on the surface and under the ground, wholly or partially within or bordering the Commonwealth or within its jurisdiction. "Surface water" means all state waters that are not groundwater, such as wetlands, streams, and open water.Work impacting state surface waters may require a VWP permit in accordance with VWP program regulations and State Water Control Law. A complete application for a VWP permit requires a State Surface Waters Determination (SSWD) that maps the location of state surface waters within a project site as approved by DEQ the SSWD process. This layer represents the locations of active VWP State Surface Waters Determinations (SSWDs) issued across the state.Data Fact Sheet