Virginia’s Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has issued a drought warning advisory across several regions of the state in response to significantly dry conditions.
The advisory, prompted by record-low precipitation levels and critically low streamflow and groundwater levels, aims to raise awareness and prompt immediate action to conserve water resources.
According to DEQ, a drought warning advisory indicates a significant drought is imminent and is in effect for:
Northern Piedmont: Greene, Madison, Rappahannock, Orange, Culpeper, Louisa, Spotsylvania and Stafford counties
Northern Virginia: Fauquier, Loudoun, Prince William, Arlington and Fairfax counties
A drought watch advisory is intended to help Virginians prepare for a potential drought and remains in effect for the following areas:
Northern Coastal Plain: Caroline, King George, King William, King and Queen, Essex, Richmond, Westmoreland, Gloucester, Mathews, Middlesex, Lancaster and Northumberland counties
A DEQ press release says they are working with local governments, public water works and water users in the affected areas to ensure that conservation and drought response plans and ordinances are followed.
DEQ says localities and Virginians that are supplied water from the Potomac River should consult the Metropolitan Washington Water Supply and Drought Awareness Response Plan for specific triggers and actions to be taken.
DEQ encourages all Virginians to protect water supplies by minimizing water use, monitoring drought conditions, and detecting and repairing leaks.
