Richmond region continues voluntary water conservation measures as officials review conditions

Richmond and five neighboring counties remain under voluntary water-conservation measures as officials review James River flows, rainfall and state drought guidance during the week of August 3.

Richmond Public Utilities said in a July 31 notice that the request would continue while officials monitored conditions. The expected review period is not a guaranteed decision date, and the supplied notice does not confirm that the measures have been lifted.

What officials are watching

The review is expected to consider the stability of James River flows, recent rainfall and guidance from Virginia’s Drought Monitoring Task Force and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality.

Richmond’s James River Regional Flow Management Plan identifies a trigger of average river flows at 1,700 cubic feet per second for 14 consecutive days. The regional conservation request was first implemented July 1 after river flows met that plan trigger.

Virginia DEQ describes the state’s drought-monitoring process as an evaluation of hydrologic conditions and other indicators that can inform drought responses. That state guidance does not independently announce a change to Richmond’s regional request.

Communities covered

The voluntary measures apply to Richmond and Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico and Powhatan counties.

The request is intended to reduce unnecessary demand and support regional water-treatment and supply operations. It is voluntary, not a mandatory restriction program or an emergency declaration, and it does not announce an immediate drinking-water shortage.

Watering schedule

Under Richmond’s posted schedule:

• Monday is a no-watering day.
• Addresses ending in an odd number may water on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
• Addresses ending in an even number may water on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

Richmond’s guidance also asks residents and businesses to limit certain uses:

• Fountains should run from 8 p.m. to 10 a.m., with two additional days allowed at any time each week.
• Driveways, sidewalks and other paved areas may be washed on two days each week, except when washing is needed for health or safety.
• Swimming pools should be filled or topped off only as needed to remain safe and clean.
• Vegetable gardens should be watered from 8 p.m. to 10 a.m.; bucket watering is allowed at any time.
• Vehicles may be washed on two days each week with a handheld hose equipped with an automatic shutoff nozzle. Commercial mobile vehicle-washing businesses are exempt.
• New landscaping may be watered at any time during its first 10 days; afterward, the lawn schedule applies.
• Golf courses should be watered from 8 p.m. to 10 a.m., although greens may be watered at any time.

Richmond’s posted guidance says there are no water-use restrictions for restaurants.

What happens next

Officials expected to reassess the request during the week of August 3, but the timing and outcome remain uncertain. Residents should not assume the conservation measures will end unless Richmond Public Utilities issues a new notice.

Until then, residents and businesses in the affected Richmond-area communities should continue conserving water and follow updates from Richmond Public Utilities.

Sources

• Richmond Region Remains in Voluntary Water Conservation Status
• Drought | Virginia Department of Environmental Quality
• Richmond region enacts voluntary water restrictions amid ongoing drought