The Drought Management Task Force (DMTF) met on May 9, 2013 to review the status of hydrologic conditions in Virginia. No abnormally dry conditions existed within the Commonwealth during the current month. The DMTF issued an updated
Drought Status Report on May 13, 2013. The next Drought Status Report is scheduled for release during the second week of June, 2013.
Drought Stages
The DMTF uses four drought indicators when making a recommendation concerning the declaration of a particular drought stage: precipitation deficits, streamflows, ground water levels, and reservoir levels. For the purpose of implementation of the Drought Response Plan, the Commonwealth has been divided into thirteen drought evaluation regions.
Drought Emergency
Drought emergency responses are generally responses that are required during the height of a significant drought event. During these times, it is likely that some water supplies will not supply the amount of water needed by all users and non-essential uses of water should be eliminated. Mandatory water conservation requirements contained in water conservation and contingency plans should be initiated at this stage. Mandatory water conservation activities generally result in water use reductions of 10-15%.
Recommended responses for a Drought Emergency
Drought Warning
Drought warning responses are generally responses that are required when the onset of a significant drought event is imminent. Water conservation and contingency plans that have been prepared during a drought watch stage would begin to be implemented. From the perspective of the Commonwealth, water conservation activities at this stage would generally be voluntary. Voluntary water conservation activities generally result in reductions in water use of 5-10%.
Recommended responses for a Drought Warning
- Adhere to local water use restrictions.
- Participate, as appropriate, in regional and local coordination for the management of water resources.
- Stay informed on drought conditions and advisories
- Project water needs and available water supply for a ninety-day period from the issuance of this advisory.
- Assess your vulnerability to the drought conditions and adjust water usage to prolong available supply.
- Inspect water delivery system components
Drought Watch
Drought Watch responses are generally responses that are intended to increase awareness in the public and private sector to climatic conditions that are likely to precede the occurrence of a significant drought event. During this drought stage, the primary activities that are suggested are to prepare for the onset of a drought event. It is unlikely that significant water use reductions will occur at this stage, although it is possible that the increased public awareness of water conservation activities may reduce water use up to 5%.
Recommended responses for a Drought Watch
- Review and be prepared to implement Drought Response and Contingency Plans at the appropriate time.
- Participate, as appropriate, in regional and local coordination for the management of water resources.
- Stay informed on drought conditions and advisories