Wythe County under Drought Warning Advisory

WYTHE COUNTY, Va. ( WFXR ) – A drought warning advisory has been declared for Wythe County by Wythe County and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality ( DEQ ).

On Tuesday, July 23, the Wythe County Board of Supervisors said it authorized County Administrator Stephen Bear to place the County under a Drought Warning advisory in response to the DEQ.

The DEQ said the decision was based on new record low precipitation levels across the Commonwealth in June and July and hoped to increase awareness with the advisory.

A water ordinance adopted by Wythe County in 2010 requests residents to voluntarily conserve water when there is “imminent onset of a significant drought.”

Residents may consider the following steps to conserve resources during this time:

• Refrain from outdoor water usage between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
• Reduce turf watering.
• Use a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways and sidewalks.
• Reduce vehicle washing. • Use bucket watering instead of hose watering when possible.
• Turn off ornamental fountains.
• Identify and repair leaks.
• Turn off the water while shaving, brushing your teeth, etc.
• Reduce shower time or take baths with less water.
• Only use the clothes washer and dishwasher when there are full loads.
• Install water-saving devices in the home, such as low-flow toilets and showerheads.

County officials say staff will routinely review water level stages with the New River Regional Water Authority, and the Water Departments of the Town of Rural Retreat and the Town of Wytheville and seek further guidance from the DEQ.

WFXR News will continue to update you with more information as it is released.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv.