Northern Virginia jurisdictions continued to ramp up efforts to conserve water this week in the face of a drought that has devastated
agriculture and lawns across the region.
Manassas City officials announced mandatory water restrictions, including bans on watering lawns and cars, in order to re-establish its reservoir, which had fallen more than 11 feet below normal.
“Looking at the weather projections they’re not predicting any sort of reasonable rainfall long-term,” said Dominic Brancaccio, assistant director for sewer and water. “That’s the reason we decided to pull the trigger.”
There is no timetable for the new restrictions, and there are no firm penalties. A first violation leads to a warning and notification, but repeat offenders can face misdemeanor charges with fines and disconnection.
“The restrictions will be in effect until the reservoir is recharged,” City Manager Lawrence Hughes said. “It could take weeks, it could take months.”
In Loudoun County, where drought restrictions have been in place since Oct. 2, County Administrator Kirby Bowers issued a call for conservation after residents expressed concern that some businesses and homeowners associations were not obeying the restrictions, including those who used well water and other sources.
“Please consider the opportunity you have to conserve water and show your concern for the overall drought in our region,” Bowers asked.
Chamber of Commerce President Tony Howard said businesses should heed the call.
“The measures the county is taking are reasonable and measured and seem in line what other counties are asking,” Howard said. “Nobody knows when this drought is going to end.”
