Despite some recent rain, Fairfax County is continuing to see an unusually dry summer, raising the possibility of a drought.
The entire D.C. region, including Fairfax County, has now been placed under a Drought Watch, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) announced today (Monday), urging nearly 6 million residents to conserve water as much as possible.
If conditions worsen, a Drought Warning could be issued, which would come with mandatory limits.
“As officials continue to closely monitor drought conditions in the region, it is important for the public to use water wisely,” COG Executive Director Clark Mercer said in a press release. “With a few simple measures, we can all aid in water conservation efforts and help ensure an adequate water supply for our region.”
⚠️Drought Watch: Due to persistent dry conditions, a Drought Watch has been issued by area jurisdictions and water utilities in metropolitan Washington through COG. Residents are encouraged to use water wisely. Learn more: https://t.co/z2F1GE0uQD pic.twitter.com/kBMqjOjl8E
— COG (@MWCOG) July 29, 2024
Fairfax County has been under a drought warning advisory issued by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) since June 24. Initially focused on Northern Virginia and the Shenandoah region, the advisory was expanded on July 19 to include most of the state.
According to DEQ, Northern Virginia’s precipitation and reservoir levels are normal, as of Sunday (July 28), but groundwater levels and streamflow have continued declining to historically low levels.
DEQ has asked Virginians to “protect water supplies by minimizing water use, monitoring drought conditions, and detecting and repairing leaks.”
“NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center has declared that 95 percent of the Potomac River Basin is experiencing abnormal to extreme drought and precipitation levels have dropped almost four inches below normal in the past 60 days,” COG said.
However, area water officials say there’s still an “adequate supply of water” in the Potomac River and three back-up reservoirs that were constructed in the early 1980s. The reservoirs are currently full and could release water to supplement the river if needed.
“Fortunately, despite the current conditions, the region still has an adequate water supply to meet demands,” Fairfax Water General Manager Jamie Bain Hedges said.
Here are suggestions from COG on steps residents can take to limit their water use:
- Monitor watering lawns, plants and shrubs;
- Sweep sidewalks and driveways (instead of using a hose);
- Avoid washing your car, or instead use a commercial car wash that recycles water;
- Fix any plumbing leaks – especially toilets and faucets;
- Reduce shower length to under 5 minutes;
- Turn off water while brushing your teeth; and
- Wash full loads of dishes and clothes.
COG also warns that fires could be a hazard due to the region’s dry conditions, though the risk for wildfires is “low to moderate risk.”
“Committee members encourage residents to use extra caution when smoking outside, using outdoor grills or engaging in other activities that involve flammable materials,” COG said.
The National Weather Service is currently forecasting a 60% chance of rain tomorrow (Tuesday) in Fairfax County, but temperatures are also expected to reach the mid-90s throughout this week.
