Western Virginia Water Authority Imposes Stage 1 Restrictions After 22 Years as Drought Drains Reservoir
Updated
Updated · WDBJ · Jul 9
Western Virginia Water Authority Imposes Stage 1 Restrictions After 22 Years as Drought Drains Reservoir
3 articles · Updated · WDBJ · Jul 9
Summary
Thursday marks the start of Stage 1 voluntary water restrictions across Roanoke, Roanoke County, Franklin County, Botetourt County, Boones Mill and Vinton, with residents and businesses asked to curb indoor and outdoor use.
Declining levels at Carvins Cove Reservoir after a prolonged lack of significant rain triggered the first phase of the authority’s drought contingency plan.
Customers are being urged to water only before 10 a.m. or after 7 p.m., cut turf watering and car washing, and shorten showers to 5 minutes while fixing leaks and running only full loads.
The authority said service and water quality will not be interrupted, and it is already maximizing alternative water sources while closely monitoring reservoir conditions.
This is the first time in the authority’s 22-year history that it has activated the drought plan, a step meant to preserve supplies early and avoid mandatory restrictions later.