People across NoVA and the rest of the metropolitan Washington area are being asked to cut down on how much water they use. The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments issued a drought watch on Monday.
A drought watch is the stage before mandatory water restrictions go in place.
The record-breaking high temperatures over the past two months resulted in 95 percent of the Potomac River Basin experiencing abnormal or extreme drought, COG said.
While there is an adequate supply of water, COG asked everyone to use water wisely as water utilities and local governments continue to monitor conditions.
“Fortunately, despite the current conditions, the region still has an adequate water supply to meet demands,” said Fairfax Water General Manager Jamie Bain Hedges.
Here’s how COG said you can limit 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 to under 5 minutes;
- Turn off water while brushing your teeth; and
- Wash full loads of dishes and clothes.
Feature image of Potomac River, Mosto/stock.adobe.com
For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine’s News newsletter.
