Loudoun County officials urge residents to stay informed about the worsening drought conditions affecting the area. A combination of scant precipitation and excessive heat has rapidly intensified drought conditions, impacting the entire region.
Current Drought Status
The National Integrated Drought Information System has classified parts of western Loudoun County as experiencing an extreme drought, while the rest of the county is under severe drought conditions. The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has issued a drought warning advisory that includes Loudoun and eleven other counties in the state.
Water Supply Updates
Loudoun Water reports that upstream storage reservoirs for water providers on the Potomac River are full, ensuring no current threat to drinking water supplies. At this time, there are no voluntary or mandatory water restrictions for residents relying on the Potomac River. Regional water suppliers continue to monitor and coordinate water supply data.
Impact on Town Residents
Incorporated towns in Loudoun County manage their own water and sewer services. Although no countywide restrictions are in place, towns like Middleburg and Round Hill have implemented mandatory water conservation measures effective July 18 and 19, respectively. Leesburg, Lovettsville, and Purcellville encourage voluntary water conservation efforts. Residents should check with their town governments for specific information and guidance.
Private Well Users
While there are no widespread impacts on private wells reported, individual homeowners may experience issues due to the drought. The Virginia Department of Health provides resources for managing private wells during drought conditions. Residents with well issues can contact the Loudoun County Health Department for assistance and information on licensed well pump installers and drillers.
Agricultural Concerns
Farmers can access assistance programs through the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) for help with drought-related challenges. Information on obtaining a Service Center Customer ID is available on the USDA website.
Water Conservation Tips
The DEQ’s Virginia Drought Monitoring Task Force and Loudoun Water recommend several voluntary water conservation measures:
Suspend lawn irrigation
Check and fix leaks in faucets and spigots
Repair toilet leaks
Run dishwashers only when full; turn off the faucet while scrubbing dishes by hand
Shorten showers or use less bath water
Turn off the faucet while brushing teeth
Use drought-resistant plants in landscaping
Monitoring and Information
For ongoing updates, the Loudoun County website provides links to current hydrological conditions, including precipitation, groundwater, and streamflow data. Visit loudoun.gov/waterdata for more information.
