VIRGINIA (WVVA) – Virginia’s Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has issued a drought warning advisory across several regions of the state in response to significantly dry conditions.
The advisory, prompted by record-low precipitation levels and critically low streamflow and groundwater levels, aims to raise awareness and prompt immediate action to conserve water resources.
The affected regions span multiple counties and cities, including Lee, Wise, Buchanan, Dickenson, Scott, Russel, Tazewell, Washington, and Smyth Counties in the Big Sandy area and Grayson, Wythe, Bland, Carroll, Floyd, Pulaski, Giles, and Montgomery Counties in the New River region, and several others in Northern Piedmont, Roanoke, Upper James, and Middle James areas.
Local governments, public water works, and private sector users withdrawing more than 10,000 gallons per day have been urged to implement water conservation measures without delay. Recommendations include minimizing nonessential water use, revising or establishing local water conservation plans, and disseminating water conservation information widely.
The DEQ warned that if conditions worsen, a Drought Emergency may be declared, which would enforce mandatory water use restrictions and further limit water withdrawals. The agency continues to monitor the situation closely and advises residents to stay updated through the DEQ’s official website for statewide drought status updates.
For more information and to track developments, residents are encouraged to visit the DEQ website for ongoing updates on the drought situation across Virginia.
