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Virginia DEQ lifts all drought advisories in state thanks to plentiful rainfall

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The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality has lifted drought advisories for the entire state, thanks to two weeks of plentiful rainfall.

The last time the entire state was not under a drought advisory was approximately one year ago, on June 20, 2024.

Twelve counties in Northern Virginia and the Shenandoah regions of the state were still under a drought watch before this change announced today.

The counties included Arlington, Augusta, Clarke, Fairfax, Fauquier, Frederick, Loudoun, Page, Prince William, Rockingham, Shenandoah and Warren.

The rainfall has improved soil moisture and surface water flows within all major watersheds, according to the DEQ.

Improvements in groundwater levels have also been observed throughout the state.

Only a few wells in the Eastern Shore, Northern Virginia, Roanoke and Shenandoah regions are reporting below normal levels.

Storage volumes at all major water supply reservoirs remain at normal levels.

The current drought status can be found on the DEQ website.

Crystal Graham

Crystal Graham

Crystal Abbe Graham is the regional editor of Augusta Free Press. A 1999 graduate of Virginia Tech, she has worked for 25 years as a reporter and editor for several Virginia publications, written a book, and garnered more than a dozen Virginia Press Association awards for writing and graphic design. She was the co-host of "Viewpoints," a weekly TV news show, and co-host of Virginia Tonight, a nightly TV news show on PBS. Her work on "Virginia Tonight" earned her a national Telly award for excellence in television.