Despite intermittent rain associated with summer storms, most of Virginia still remains in a historic drought.
According to the Virginia Drought Monitoring Task Force (DMTF), rain is approximately 7.8 inches below normal on average throughout the state. This represents the second driest water year on record. Streamflow within several watersheds continue to have significant deficits and soil moisture continues to remain well below normal.
The Roanoke Drought Evaluation Region, one of the state’s 14 drought evaluation regions, has reached emergency status triggering local and regional leaders to determine steps if things don’t improve. Drought warning advisories remain in place for 12 of the 14 drought evaluation regions. The Southeast region is the only one to remain in a lesser watch status. The Northern Piedmont drought evaluation region, of which Orange and Madison counties are included, continues to be in an emergency status for groundwater. Precipitation is at a warning status, flow is a watch status and reservoirs remain normal.
According to the latest U.S Drought Monitor data,100% of the state is experiencing some level of drought conditions. A large portion of Orange County is listed as being in extreme drought, D3, with the remainder in severe drought, D2. Most of Madison County is listed as D2 with a portion listed as D1, moderate drought.
All Virginians are being encouraged to conserve water.
“In the midst of this historic dry period, all Virginians can help preserve our water supply,” Governor Abigail Spanberger said. “Increased water conservation measures are critical to protect access to adequate water supplies for Virginia’s families, farms, and communities as the drought persists. I appreciate the work of Virginia’s Drought Monitoring Task Force to paint an accurate picture of the severe drought conditions. We will continue to evaluate the impacts and how we can contend with this historic drought.”
Should the drought continue, the task force may choose to implement a drought emergency declaration, activating mandatory non-essential water use restrictions. Industrial users would also be required to reduce water withdrawals.
Orange County has convened a drought committee which consists of county administrator Glenda Paul, Rapidan Service Authority General Manager David Jarrell, Orange Town Manager Chris Snider and Gordonsville Town Manager Anthony Schienschang. The committee was established in the county’s water supply plan, but hasn’t been convened until now. Paul said the committee members will work together to disseminate any public information as the drought continues. As a result, the Town of Gordonsville has removed its mandatory water restrictions for residents, opting to encourage conservation instead.
The DMTF is expected to next meet July 21.
