As the region experiences unusually dry conditions that are expected to persist despite recent rainfall, a drought watch was put into effect July 29 by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG).
More than 6 million residents in the local region are covered by the drought-watch area.
Residents and businesses in the metropolitan Washington region are being asked to take voluntary measures to conserve water and help reduce demand on the region’s water-supply systems.
“As officials continue to closely monitor drought conditions in the region, it is important for the public to use water wisely,” said Clark Mercer, COG’s executive director. “With a few simple measures, we can all aid in water-conservation efforts and help ensure an adequate water supply for our region.”
(A detailed list of tips for wise water use can be found atchttp://mwcog.org/wisewatermwcog.org/wisewater.)
There currently is an adequate supply of water in the Potomac River and back-up reservoirs, but if the situation worsens, a drought warning could be brought into effect – with the potential for mandatory restrictions.
“It makes sense for all of us to use water wisely and not waste this precious resource,” said Michael Nardolilli, executive director of the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin (ICPRB).
Three water-supply reservoirs were constructed in the early 1980s to provide water during droughts in the local region. These reservoirs are full and, if needed, water can be released to supplement the flow in the river.
Over the past two months, the region has experienced high temperatures coupled with some periods of historically low streamflow and groundwater levels.