DEQ.Virginia.gov

Richmond, Va. –The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), in coordination with the Virginia Drought Monitoring Task Force, has expanded the drought watch advisory to now include 34 counties.

A drought watch advisory is intended to help Virginians prepare for a potential drought and includes the following areas:

• Eastern Shore: Accomack and Northampton counties
• Northern Coastal Plain: Caroline, Essex, Gloucester, King George, King William, King and Queen, Lancaster, Mathews, Middlesex, Northumberland, Richmond, and Westmoreland counties
• Northern Piedmont: Culpeper, Greene, Louisa, Madison, Orange, Rappahannock, Spotsylvania, and Stafford counties
• Northern Virginia: Arlington, Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun, and Prince William counties
• Shenandoah: Augusta, Clarke, Frederick, Page, Rockingham, Shenandoah, and Warren counties

Variable precipitation over the Commonwealth for the past 30 days have left the northern and eastern regions of the Commonwealth in a state of hydrologic drought. Below normal precipitation levels over these areas have resulted in notable decreases in soil moisture measurements and in streamflow and groundwater levels. The 3–4-week weather forecast suggests above-normal temperatures and an equal chance of above or below normal precipitation.  Increased soil moisture loss is anticipated over the next few weeks as the Spring leaf-out of trees and vegetation progresses. Storage at major water supply reservoirs remain within normal ranges.

DEQ is working with local governments, public water works, and water users in the affected areas to ensure that conservation and drought response plans and ordinances are followed. Localities and Virginians that are supplied water from the Potomac River should consult the Metropolitan Washington Water Supply and Drought Awareness Response Plan for specific triggers and actions to be taken. All Virginians are encouraged to protect water supplies by minimizing water use, monitoring drought conditions, and detecting and repairing leaks.  

See the current drought status on the DEQ website.