Best ways to conserve water amidst DMV drought watch

WASHINGTON ( DC News Now ) — It’s day two of a drought watch that went into effect across the Metropolitan area, and although there are no current conservation mandates, offices are encouraging people to save water.

Officials with the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) said the drought is due to dry conditions over the past month that caused the flow of the Potomac River Basin to become low.

However, Steve Bieber, the water resources director for COG, said we have enough water supply to withstand a drought if needed.

“Back in the 1980s, our water utilities invested in reservoirs upstream of the D.C. area that are used in times of drought or can be used when those are all full. So we’re very resilient against drought for the water supply here in Metro D.C.,” said Bieber.

Despite this, officials still encourage people to try their best to conserve water.

“We’re just trying to heighten the awareness that things are exceptionally dry now. The river flow is a little low, and everybody can do their part. Conserve, every little bit helps,” said Bieber.

Ways to conserve water:

• Reduce shower length to under 5 minutes
• Turn off the water while brushing your teeth
• Wash full loads of dishes and clothes
• Avoid washing your car, or instead use a commercial car wash that recycles water
• Find and fix any leaking toilets and faucet

People in the area said they don’t mind doing their part.

“I water my plants a lot, so maybe putting them outside, letting them get water naturally from rain, or something I could do is take shorter showers,” said longtime resident Maddy Beckwith.

Bieber said they are hopeful the drought conditions will improve soon.

“According to the weather service, it’s looking like, we should have near normal precipitation between now and over the next several months. So hopefully over that time we’ll begin to see the drought conditions alleviate,” he said.

Officials said they are consistently monitoring the water flow of the Potomac River.

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