Virginia | Drought watch advisory issued due to rapid declines in streamflow, groundwater

A drought watch advisory has been issued for 28 counties in Virginia including the Shenandoah Valley.

The advisories were issued due to rapid declines in the streamflow and groundwater levels due to a lack of precipitation.

Water Supply Planner Andrew Noyes with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality told AFP on Sept. 12 that the City of Waynesboro was experiencing drier conditions than other areas in the Shenandoah region.

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, in coordination with the Virginia Drought Monitoring Task Force, issued the advisory for:

• Shenandoah: Augusta, Clarke, Frederick, Page, Rockingham, Shenandoah and Warren counties
• Northern Virginia: Arlington, Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun and Prince William counties
• Roanoke River: Bedford, Campbell, Charlotte, Franklin, Patrick, Halifax, Henry, Mecklenburg, Pittsylvania and Roanoke counties
• Upper James: Alleghany, Bath, Craig, Botetourt, Highland and Rockbridge counties

The forecast for the next two weeks suggests limited precipitation in the western part of the Commonwealth with a better chance of substantial precipitation east of the Blue Ridge.

Above normal temperatures are predicted over the Commonwealth for the next two weeks.

---

ICYMI

• Waynesboro | City experiencing dry conditions; state task force to discuss next week
• No drought? Waynesboro residents call BS, ‘even the weeds are dead’
• Shenandoah Valley | Fall colors arrive early, longer leaf-peeping season possible

---

Storage at major water supply reservoirs remains 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.

All Virginians are encouraged to protect water supplies by minimizing water use, monitoring drought conditions and detecting and repairing leaks. No voluntary conservation measures have been announced for Waynesboro.

The task force met last week to discuss drought conditions. It will meet again on Oct. 2.