The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) issued a drought watch for Fairfax County and six million residents across the District of Columbia, suburban Maryland, and Northern Virginia. Unusually dry conditions are expected to continue despite recent rainfall.
Regional officials stress that while there is currently an adequate supply of water in the Potomac River and backup reservoirs, residents and businesses are encouraged to take simple, voluntary steps to reduce water use and help protect the region’s water resources if dry conditions persist.
“While our region has an adequate water supply to meet demands, the public can make a difference during these dry spells by using water wisely,” said Fairfax Water General Manager Jamie Bain Hedges.
Drought Background
This year, from March to April, the region experienced record-breaking high temperatures along with some periods of historically low streamflow levels. The Potomac River reached its lowest level during this time period, based on 130 years of data.
A drought watch is an early advisory stage. It is the level before the drought warning stage, when water restrictions would be encouraged. At the watch and warning stages, the focus is on voluntary conservation and public awareness. Since the adoption of the regional drought plan in 2000, the region has not entered the drought warning stage.
Water-Saving Tips
Protect water resources by taking voluntary measures to conserve water and reduce the demand for our region's water supply systems.
Fairfax Water offers some simple tips to limit indoor and outdoor water use:
Indoor
- Reduce shower length to under 5 minutes
- Turn off water while brushing your teeth/shaving
- Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes
- Fix any plumbing leaks – especially toilets and faucets
Outdoor
- 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
Additionally, if you have a home where you can collect water, then collecting rainwater with barrels is an easy way to water your garden for free while conserving a valuable resource. Just a half-inch of rain on your roof can yield up to 300 gallons of water, and a home can use 100 gallons or more per day on lawns and gardens.
Fire Prevention
Drought conditions can elevate fire danger in the county. Use extra caution when smoking outside, using outdoor grills or engaging in other activities that involve flammable materials. Our Fire and Rescue Department shares guidance to prevent fires during a drought.
Cigarettes and Smoking Materials
- Don’t throw cigarettes out of a moving vehicle. They may ignite grass on the side of the road.
- Never dispose of cigarettes in potted plants, mulch, or shrubbery. The soil, when it gets too dry, can become highly flammable.
- Dispose of cigarettes and smoking materials in an ashtray, bucket, or fireproof container.
- Completely douse cigarette butts and ashes with water before throwing them away, as they can smolder and cause a fire.
Grilling
- Before leaving the area, douse the fire with water and make sure the area is cool to the touch.
- Empty the coals into a metal container with a tight-fitting lid that is used only to collect coals.
- Place the container outside and away from anything that can burn.
- Never empty coals directly into a trash can.
- Store the charcoal starter fluid out of reach of children and away from heat source
Additionally, exercise caution if operating any equipment that could create sparks and keep vehicles off of dry grass. Most dry grasses, dead leaves, and other tree litter could easily ignite and spread fire quickly.
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