Effective February 13, 2025, the Rules and Regulations Governing Campgrounds will be updated to include amendments to the temporary campgrounds regulatory section (12VAC5-450-187).
The revisions updated regulations to to clarify standards for handwashing water storage and distribution at temporary campgrounds. Temporary campgrounds are those associated with temporary events, such as fairs, festivals, or music concerts. These events often do not have permanent infrastructure, and thus basic sanitation needs are met through the use of portable toilets, and often, portable hand washing sinks. The revisions provide temporary campground owners more flexibility while still protecting the health and safety of those using Virginia’s beautiful campgrounds.
The revisions exempts portable hand washing sinks from meeting the full requirements applied to other water provided for drinking or showering in temporary campgrounds.
To ensure this change continues to protect public health, any portable hand washing sink that does not meet food-grade standards will be required to post a sign notifying campers not to drink the water.
VDH recommends that you review the entire regulatory package on Virginia Regulatory Town Hall.