Governor Spanberger Encourages Commonsense Water Conservation in Response to Historic Drought Conditions

RICHMOND, VA - In response to the historic drought conditions creating challenges for communities and farmers across Virginia, Governor Spanberger today - in coordination with the Virginia Drought Monitoring Task Force - encouraged Virginians to take voluntary, commonsense steps to conserve water use. Despite much of the state receiving recent beneficial rain, a significant lack of precipitation has resulted in Virginia recording its driest period since 1941. Precipitation totals are approximately eight inches below average across much of the Commonwealth.

"All Virginians can play a role in protecting our water supply during this historic dry period," said Governor Abigail Spanberger. "As communities across the Commonwealth - particularly in Southside and Central Virginia - continue to be impacted by these conditions, it is important that we take commonsense steps to meet this challenge. I'm grateful to Virginians for doing their part, and my office will continue to remain in close coordination with the Virginia Drought Monitoring Task Force as we focus on safeguarding our water supply."

"We all know that water is essential to our daily lives. Not just for our personal use, but also for our farmers, our small businesses, and our industries," said Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources David Bulova. "Taking simple steps now to reduce our own consumption can help prevent more serious restrictions as we move into the summer months. We will continue to regularly monitor conditions with the Drought Monitoring Task Force as we move into the hottest time of year."

Voluntarily conserving water may help the Commonwealth avoid mandatory water restrictions in the future if drought conditions persist or intensify.

STEPS VIRGINIANS CAN TAKE TO CONSERVE WATER:

• Reduce lawn and garden watering schedules to alternating days, only watering between dusk and dawn
• Turn off ornamental fountains
• Limit washing of vehicles and paved surfaces unless addressing public health and safety
• Limit filling of swimming pools

While most of Virginia's water reservoirs remain full, streamflow and groundwater levels show evidence of severe hydrologic drought. The most recent Department of Environmental Quality Daily Drought Map shows 100 percent of the Commonwealth's land area experiencing drought conditions, with the majority of the Commonwealth in a drought warning status.

Ongoing drought conditions have resulted in significant impacts on our agricultural industry. Persistently dry soil conditions and lack of precipitation have delayed or prevented planting and reduced yield potential. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has used their fast-track disaster declaration process to declare drought disaster designations across dozens of localities in Virginia. Fast-track designations provide producers impacted by drought with access to emergency loans and other assistance. Under Governor Spanberger's direction, Virginia continues to coordinate with USDA and federal partners to ensure resources are available and communicated to farmers and growers impacted by drought.

If drought conditions continue, the Governor may declare a Drought Emergency by executive order. Mandatory water use restrictions for certain users and industries would be implemented at this stage. Drought emergency responses are required from all impacted state agencies and localities in accordance with local drought ordinances and executive orders during the height of a significant drought event. Although Virginia is typically a water-rich state, severe droughts have occurred, most recently in the summer of 2002, when Governor Warner declared a Drought Emergency.

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