Va. Code § 15.2-2134
Every locality is authorized to make expenditures from its general fund in order to acquire land, participate in the construction of dams and perform all other necessary acts for the purpose of providing a public water supply for the agricultural, residential, governmental and industrial development of the locality; however, such dam shall not be constructed nor any land acquired therefor when the dam would be located in another locality without the approval of such locality's governing body. No such approval shall be required when the dam is in the process of construction, or the site has been purchased, or plans for its construction were filed with any appropriate agency of the federal, state, or local government on or before July 1, 1976.
In any case in which approval by such locality's governing body is withheld, the party seeking such approval may petition for the convening of a special court, pursuant to §§ 15.2-2135 through 15.2-2141.
Va. Code § 15.2-2134