State and local leaders are urging residents to increase their water conservation efforts, especially in the Roanoke region, which is under a drought emergency.
“In the midst of this historic dry period, all Virginians can help preserve our water supply,” Gov. Abigail Spanberger said in a Wednesday news release. “Increased water conservation measures are critical to protect access to adequate water supplies for Virginia’s families, farms, and communities as the drought persists.”
On July 7, the Virginia Drought Monitoring Task Force declared a drought emergency for the Roanoke Drought Evaluation Region, which includes Bedford, Campbell, Charlotte, Franklin, Halifax, Henry, Mecklenburg, Patrick, Pittsylvania and Roanoke counties, and the cities of Danville, Martinsville, Roanoke and Salem.
While all areas of the state are experiencing historic drought conditions, most of the rest of Virginia is under a drought warning or watch status, the release said.
“We continue to work alongside our partners throughout the Commonwealth to implement critical steps to protect our water supply during this prolonged period of exceptionally dry conditions,” Adrienne Kotula, the state’s acting drought coordinator and deputy secretary of natural and historic resources, said in the release. “Unfortunately, if conditions on the ground do not rapidly improve, mandatory water conservation measures may be necessary in the Roanoke Region.”
Rainfall is approximately 7.8 inches below normal on average across Virginia, making this the second-driest water year on record. The Roanoke Drought Evaluation Region has received just 57% of the rain that is normal for this time of year, according to the news release. The seven‑day forecast calls for some rain, but less than a half-inch is forecast for the New River and Roanoke drought evaluation regions, the release said.
Reservoir levels at Smith Mountain Lake and John Kerr Reservoir are at 5.5 feet and 4.45 feet below normal, respectively. Many groundwater wells in the Roanoke region are at record low levels, the release said.
If the drought continues, the state task force could enact mandatory water-use restrictions that could include prohibitions against irrigating lawns and golf courses, washing vehicles and filling swimming pools. The state would also require industrial water users to reduce their consumption, the release said.
Additional information on the current drought status is available on DEQ’s Drought webpage and Drought Dashboard, which includes interactive data on stream gages, groundwater wells, soil moisture and precipitation.
