The state’s Drought Monitoring Task Force today issued a drought warning notification for jurisdictions in Northern and south-central Virginia, as well as the Shenandoah Valley, after precipitation and groundwater levels reached emergency levels.
Thirty-five counties and cities are now under drought warnings. Another 79 jurisdictions are under a drought watch status. Only 19 are so far not impacted by drought, according to the latest assessment.
Loudoun has experienced drought conditions during most months since early 2023. After a wet spring last year, drought conditions returned in August and continue to worsen.
Last week, the Town of Purcellville enacted mandatory water restrictions. Other Loudoun towns that rely on wells to provide public water service are closely monitoring their production and water levels. Demand for water is lowest in the winter months, reducing the pressure on the systems.
Surface water sources—streams and reservoirs—are rated as operating under normal conditions in Northern Virginia.
In issuing the drought warning, the task force urged all Virginians to protect water supplies by minimizing water use and repairing any leaks.