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The latest update by the Drought Monitoring Task Force of Virginia shows that Southside Virginia is still under a drought alert despite recent rain.
Governor Abigail Spanberger is encouraging Virginians to take voluntary and commonsense steps to conserve and reduce water use. Abigail Spanberger encourages Virginians take commonsense and voluntary steps to reduce and conserve water.
Spanberger, pointing out the challenges faced by communities and farmers in the state, said that the lack of rain has caused the driest time since 1941.
Officials of the Drought Monitoring Task Force said that a drought alert is meant to raise awareness about a possible drought event.
In the report of the task force dated June 11, officials noted that precipitation levels continue to be eight inches below average.
The governor stated that “all Virginians have a part to play in protecting our water supplies during this historic period of drought”. As communities in the Commonwealth — especially those in Southside and Central Virginia – continue to be affected by these conditions, we must take practical steps to address this problem. I am grateful for Virginians’ efforts, and my office continues to work closely with the Virginia Drought Monitoring Task Force to safeguard our water supply.
Water is a necessity for our daily life. David Bulova, Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources, said that water is not only important for us, but for our farmers, small businesses and industries. By taking simple steps to reduce our consumption now, we can prevent more severe restrictions in the summer months.
Bulova said that agency staff would continue to monitor conditions with the DMTF, as the state enters into the hottest time of the year.
Officials from the state said that voluntary conservation of water could help the state to avoid having to impose water restrictions if drought conditions continue or intensify.
As July approaches, the National Weather Service in Wakefield predicts temperatures above average through June. There is also a chance of slightly higher rainfall than normal from storms that may occur during afternoons and evenings.
Officials from the DMTF said that the average statewide rainfall is approximately 7.5″ below normal for this water year which began Oct. 1, 2025.
“Without prolonged rains, the drought will get worse as temperatures increase and evapotranspiration rates rise. In certain areas, worsening conditions may cause the drought warning to be upgraded to an emergency status. This could trigger water restrictions.
When establishing drought advisories, the DMTF focuses on four main indicators: rainfall, groundwater levels and streamflow.
According to the June 11 update, streamflows have continued to decrease and soil moisture has also decreased. Groundwater and deeper soil moisture are still well below normal. The groundwater levels at 13 of the 24 monitoring wells in the state remain below the 10th per centile for the time of year.
According to the taskforce, “Long-term forecasts for groundwater level remain a concern. It will take a long period of rain to recover.”
CONSERVING
State officials have offered several ways to help Spanberger in his voluntary conservation of water request.
Water your lawn and garden only between dusk to dawn on alternate days.
Turn off the ornamental fountains.
Limit the washing of cars and paved surfaces, unless it is to protect public health or safety.
Limit the filling of swimming pools.
IMPACTS ON AGRICULTURE
According to a press release by the Governor’s Office, ongoing drought conditions have severely affected Virginia’s agriculture industry.
State officials stated that “persistently drying soil conditions and lack precipitation has delayed or prevented planting, and reduced yield potential.” The U.S. Department of Agriculture has declared drought disasters in dozens of Virginia localities using its fast-track declaration process.
Fast-track designations allow producers affected by drought to access emergency loans and assistance.
State officials stated that “under Spanberger’s leadership, Virginia continues to work with USDA and federal partners in order to make sure resources are made available to farmers and growers who have been affected by the drought.”
The news release stated that if drought conditions persist, the governor could declare a drought by executive order. At this stage, water restrictions would be imposed on certain industries and users.
State officials have said that during a drought emergency all state agencies and localities affected are required to respond according to local drought ordinances, executive orders and state directives. Virginia, a state that is usually water-rich, has experienced severe droughts. Recently, the then-Gov. Mark Warner declared an emergency drought in the summer 2002.
