In response to the historic drought conditions creating challenges for communities and farmers across Virginia, Gov. Abigail Spanberger — in coordination with the Virginia Drought Monitoring Task Force — encouraged Virginians to take voluntary, commonsense steps to conserve water use.
Despite much of the state receiving recent beneficial rain, a significant lack of precipitation has resulted in Virginia recording its driest period since 1941. Precipitation totals are approximately eight inches below average across much of the Commonwealth.
“All Virginians can play a role in protecting our water supply during this historic dry period,” said Spanberger. “As communities across the Commonwealth — particularly in Southside and Central Virginia — continue to be impacted by these conditions, it is important that we take commonsense steps to meet this challenge. I’m grateful to Virginians for doing their part, and my office will continue to remain in close coordination with the Virginia Drought Monitoring Task Force as we focus on safeguarding our water supply.”
Voluntarily conserving water may help the Commonwealth avoid mandatory water restrictions in the future if drought conditions persist or intensify.
Steps to conserve water:
*Reduce lawn and garden watering schedules to alternating days, only watering between dusk and dawn
*Turn off ornamental fountains
*Limit washing of vehicles and paved surfaces unless addressing public health and safety
*Limit filling of swimming pools.
