() Spring has sprung, but the Washington region is deprived of water. Drought covers much of the area, and in some places it is severe. Last week’s winter storm and its messy mix of ice and snow offered some relief, but drought conditions persist. Much of the region along Interstate 95 and to the west of it is in a moderate drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, the weekly assessment from federal agencies. And the zone from roughly Manassas to Fairfax to Rockville is classified as being under a severe drought. A drought warning is in effect for Central Maryland, including Frederick and Carroll counties, along with portions of Montgomery County (not served by the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission public water systems). Water conservation is encouraged in these areas. A drought watch is in place for much of Northern Virginia except for water systems using the Potomac or Occoquan rivers. Since late summer, Washington has run up a rainfall deficit of more than 10 inches. In fact, rainfall has fallen short of…