Make a Difference by Conserving Water During Drought Warning

Stafford County Utilities encourages customers throughout its service area to conserve water and practice wise watering in response to the Drought Warning issued by the Virginia Drought Monitoring Task Force (DMTF) on May 29, 2026, based on drought indicators from the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).

Virginia has three Drought State declarations: Drought Watch, Drought Warning, and Drought Emergency. A Drought Warning indicates that a significant drought event is imminent and recommends that residents minimize nonessential water use. A Drought Watch signifies that conditions are likely to precede a significant drought event, and a Drought Emergency is declared during the height of a very severe or extreme drought.

The DMTF issued the Drought Warning due to persistent dry conditions, including record-breaking temperatures, historically low statewide streamflow and a two-year rainfall deficit of nearly eight inches. These indicators point to a growing risk of a more severe drought, prompting Stafford County to encourage its customers to conserve water and use it wisely in their daily routines. Despite current drought conditions, Stafford reservoirs remain at normal levels for this time of year.

All conservation efforts currently are voluntary. The summer heat can be tough on lawns and landscaping, but there are several steps you can take to keep your yard looking nice without wasting water.

How can residents and Stafford Utilities' customers help conserve water both in landscaping and inside the home?

• Heavy rain eliminates the need to water lawns for two weeks. Lawns only need one inch of water a week.
• The best time to water is early morning when evaporation loss and the impact of the wind is lowest.
• Water in several short sessions rather than one long one, to facilitate better absorption and less runoff.
• Rain barrels can also be installed to collect rainwater runoff from your roof for watering your lawn and garden.
• Use a commercial car wash that recycles water. If washing your own car, use a shut-off nozzle between sprays.
• Avoid flushing water unnecessarily.
• Take short showers instead of baths and turn water off between lathering and rinsing.
• Avoid letting the water run while brushing teeth, washing one's face and shaving.
• Ensure water levels are adjusted for the size of laundry loads.
• Use dishwashers only when there is a full load.
• Hand-wash dishes in two containers, one for washing and one for rinsing.
• Avoid wasting water waiting for it to get hot - capture it in a pot for other uses.

Stafford County encourages customers to use water wisely now and year-round and to voluntarily reduce water use during persistently dry conditions to protect our water resources. You can find more water conservation tips at https://staffordcountyva.gov/conservewater. If you have questions, please call the Utilities Department at (540) 658-8616.