State issues drought watch for Loudoun, northern Virginia following dry months.
The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has issued a drought watch for Loudoun County, the northern Piedmont and other northern Virginia jurisdictions following “abnormally dry conditions” across the region from November through February.
In the northern Virginia region, the drought watch advisory applies to both public or private groundwater supplies or private surface water supplies in Fauquier, Prince William and Loudoun counties.
New record low water levels for March have been recorded in two long-term observation wells in Fauquier and Orange counties.
Meanwhile, localities in the Shenandoah, Middle James, Roanoke and Northern Coastal Plain drought evaluation regions are also being advised to “remain vigilant.” Conditions in those areas are now “near drought watch status.” DEQ said although public and private water supplies are currently in “good shape,” conditions could deteriorate as spring and summer seasons near.
DEQ is now notifying all local governments, public water works and private-sector water users in the affected areas, and is requesting they prepare for the onset of a drought event by developing or reviewing existing water conservation and drought response plans.
Virginia is encouraging localities, public and private water suppliers, and self-supplied water users in the affected localities to voluntarily take these steps to help protect current water supplies: – Minimize nonessential water use.
– Aggressively pursue leak detection and repair programs.
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