The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has issued a drought watch advisory for the Middle James, Roanoke River, Northern Piedmont, and Shenandoah regions. The latest drought monitor shows 70% of the state as “abnormally dry”. Cities within the “drought watch” regions include Lynchburg, Roanoke, Charlottesville, Danville, Staunton, Harrisonburg, Waynesboro, Fredericksburg, Petersburg and Richmond.[1]
According to the DEQ, the drought watch is intended to increase awareness of conditions that can precede a long-term drought event. In a public announcement, the DEQ cited that precipitation totals and stream flows are 75 percent lower than normal for the past three months across the regions. Groundwater levels are between 75 and 95 percent lower than previous September and October levels.[2]
Some counties within the region have gone ahead and declared water emergencies. In the city of Charlottesville, the Albemarle County Service Authority (ACSA) declared a water emergency after the Rivanna Reservoir had been reduced to only 41% of its capacity. Mandatory restrictions are now in place, and include washing cars, irrigation, serving drinking water except upon request, and daily changing the linens and towels for commercial lodging establishments. [3]
Long-range weather forecasts have indicated a dryer than normal winter for the region. Municipalities in the metro Richmond area have declared voluntary water restrictions after state officials asked localities and water suppliers to prepare for long-term drought.
[1] Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. Drought Monitoring and Response in Virginia. http://www.deq.virginia.gov/Programs/Water/WaterSupplyWaterQuantity/Drought.aspx
[2] Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. Drought Monitoring and Response in Virginia. http://www.deq.virginia.gov/Programs/Water/WaterSupplyWaterQuantity/Drought.aspx
[3] Freedman, Emmy. ACSA Declares Water Emergency Due to Drought. NBC29, October 23, 2017. Web. http://www.nbc29.com/story/36552972/acsa-declares-water-emergency-due-to-drought
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