As the region experiences unusually dry conditions that are expected to persist despite recent rainfall, a Drought Watch was put into effect today by the Drought Coordination Committee of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG). Residents and businesses in the metropolitan Washington region, including Fairfax Water customers, are being asked to take voluntary measures to conserve water and help reduce demand on the region's water supply systems.
The regional drought watch applies to nearly six million residents across metropolitan Washington. This determination was made according to the COG’s regional drought response plan. A Drought Watch is the level in the plan before Drought Warning, when additional water restrictions are requested and could become mandatory should conditions worsen.
“Fortunately, despite the current conditions, the region still has an adequate water supply to meet demands,” said Fairfax Water General Manager Jamie Bain Hedges. “This is because Fairfax Water, along with WSSC and the Washington Aqueduct, have invested in upstream Potomac Reservoirs to ensure there is a reliable supply of water to meet our customers’ needs. A continued coordinated planning of these resources will help to ensure we are well prepared to withstand a drought.”
Fairfax Water works closely with regional partners across the Potomac and Occoquan watersheds to ensure that the community can withstand drought conditions, now and in the future. These partnerships include coordinated planning, sharing data on watershed conditions, and collaborating on long-term strategies that account for population growth and climate variability. This collaborative approach creates a robust system that helps to secure the stability of the region’s water supply even as conditions change over time.
Here are some simple tips residents can use to optimize indoor and outdoor water use:
- Monitor watering lawns, plants and shrubs;
- Sweep sidewalks and driveways (instead of using a hose);
- Avoid washing your car, or instead use a commercial car wash that recycles water;
- Fix any plumbing leaks – especially toilets and faucets;
- Reduce shower length;
- Turn off water while brushing your teeth; and
- Wash full loads of dishes and clothes.
Want to learn more about wise water use? Click here!
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