Fauquier County under drought warning, mandatory water restrictions

FAUQUIER COUNTY, Va. ( DC News Now ) — Due to an ongoing drought, the Fauquier County Water and Sanitation Authority (FCWSA) issued mandatory outdoor water restrictions for all residents.

On June 24, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) issued a drought warning for Fauquier County. A drought warning indicates a significant drought is imminent, according to FCWSA.

FCWSA said that precipitation deficits, combined with rising temperatures, have resulted in the “rapid intensification” of drought conditions throughout Virginia, with significant below-normal observations within Northern Virginia and Shenandoah.

The department said that high water usage in Fauquier County, combined with drought conditions, is straining water supplies, prompting the restrictions.

Due to drought conditions, all FCWSA customers are under the following mandatory restrictions until further notice , according to FCWSA :

• Irrigation with a sprinkler or irrigation system is prohibited;
• Washing automobiles, trucks, trailers or other mobile equipment is prohibited, except in vehicle wash facilities operating with an effective and efficient water recycling system (water-efficient facilities must display signs stating so);
• Washing of streets, driveways, parking lots, service station aprons, the exterior of commercial or residential building, or any other outdoor surfaces is prohibited unless washing is required to eliminate a safety or health hazard;
• Operation or use of all water-demanding amenities located within the service area, such as ornamental fountains, waterfalls and reflecting ponds is prohibited, unless water use is necessary for aquatic animals;
• Customers must avoid filling any empty swimming and/or wading pool that is less than three-quarters full.

For more information on current drought conditions, visit the Virginia DEQ website. For updates on the mandatory outdoor water restrictions, check the FCWSA website.

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