The mission of the Water Reach Committee is to ensure safe drinking water for all, by providing education and limited financial and technical support for water supply projects. The Committee volunteers include utility directors, engineers, operators, groundwater specialists, professors, and others who are dedicated to the this mission.

Monies raised by the Water Reach Committee is used to support development projects in Virginia and internationally, as described below.

Water Reach Committee Activities in Virginia
The Committee has collaborated with Self-Help Virginia and the Southeast Rural Community Assistance Project (RCAP), Inc. on three Virginia Projects, located in Shipman (Nelson County), Rockbridge County, and Tangier Island.

Shipman, Virginia: The Shipman (Nelson County) Project was a collaborative effort with Self-Help Virginia , a program in which the community receives funds from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development if they assist with the project work. Committee member Garrick Louis spearheaded the volunteer efforts of the WFP - WR Committee. The project consisted of installing over 19,000 feet of PVC pipe to serve 46 residents. Water Reach coordinated additional volunteers to assist with operating heavy equipment and other work. The project was completed in September 2001.

Rockbridge County Septic Field Project:  The WFP - WR Committee provided financial assistance and complete project management for a septic field project in Rockbridge County. The recipient of the assistance was a Rockbridge County resident who is legally blind and receives dialysis three times each week. This individual had to use an outhouse, as there was no indoor toilet. Former Committee Chair Trina Mastran had direct oversight of the project and obtained the necessary quotes from three contractors to perform work. She assisted in contract administration and worked with the local health department to ensure that the project was completed within the stated permit requirements. The project costs were $5650. The Committee raised $2000 from an art auction, another $2,000 was leveraged by Southeast RCAP, and the remaining $1650 was donated by the Water Reach Committee. The project was completed in September 2001.

Tangier Island:   In October 2000, former Committee Chair Trina Mastran visited the Tangier Island with Southeast RCAP staff. The island, located in the Chesapeake Bay, has a dwindling population of about 600 people. While there, Trina evaluated the needs of Tangier's water system. Subsequently, the Committee agreed to assist the Town of Tangier in obtaining a planning grant to assess water system needs and to provide the Town with technical assistance in grants management, project management, and contract administration. Trina prepared the Town's successful application for a planning grant. Currently, Ken Fanfoni and other committee members are assisting the Town with procuring engineering services for a preliminary engineering report and project/grants management. This project is ongoing.