NEWS RELEASE: Drought Advisory Update

Virginia Department of Environmental Quality sent this bulletin at 09/22/2025 02:49 PM EDT

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DEQ.Virginia.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 22, 2025

CONTACT: Irina Calos
(804) 659-1333
Irina.Calos@deq.virginia.gov

DROUGHT ADVISORY UPDATE

Drought watch advisory established for 28 counties

Richmond, Va. – The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), in coordination with the Virginia Drought Monitoring Task Force, has established drought watch advisories for 28 counties.

A drought watch advisory is intended to help Virginians prepare for a potential drought and includes the following areas:

Northern Virginia: Arlington, Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun, and Prince William counties
Roanoke River: Bedford, Campbell, Charlotte, Franklin, Patrick, Halifax, Henry, Mecklenburg, Pittsylvania, and Roanoke counties
Upper James: Alleghany, Bath, Craig, Botetourt, Highland, and Rockbridge counties
Shenandoah: Augusta, Clarke, Frederick, Page, Rockingham, Shenandoah, and Warren counties

Recent lack of precipitation has resulted in rapid declines in streamflow and groundwater levels, ranging from the northern portion of the Commonwealth, south along the Blue Ridge, to the south-central region of the state. The forecast for the next two weeks suggests limited precipitation in the western part of the Commonwealth (0.10 to 0.50”) with a better chance of substantial precipitation east of the Blue Ridge (1.0 to 3.0”). Above normal temperatures are predicted over all the Commonwealth for the next two weeks. Storage at major water supply reservoirs remains within normal ranges.

DEQ is working with local governments, public water works, and water users in the affected areas to ensure that conservation and drought response plans and ordinances are followed. Localities and residents that are supplied water from the Potomac River should consult the Metropolitan Washington Water Supply and Drought Awareness Response Plan for specific triggers and actions to be taken. All Virginians are encouraged to protect water supplies by minimizing water use, monitoring drought conditions, and detecting and repairing leaks.

See the current drought status on the DEQ website.

About DEQ

The Department of Environmental Quality protects and enhances Virginia's environment and promotes the health and well being of the citizens of the Commonwealth. We are committed to cleaner water, improved air quality, and the productive re-use of contaminated land.

For more information, please visit www.DEQ.Virginia.gov.

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DEQ does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age, or sex in administration of its programs or activities, and, DEQ does not intimidate or retaliate against any individual or group because they have exercised their rights to participate in actions protected, or oppose action prohibited, by 40 C.F.R. Parts 5 and 7, or for the purpose of interfering with such rights. Title VI Coordinator Melanie Davenport is responsible for coordination of compliance efforts and receipt of inquiries concerning non-discrimination requirements implemented by 40 C.F.R. Parts 5 and 7 (Non-discrimination in Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Assistance from the Environmental Protection Agency), including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; and Section 13 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972 (hereinafter referred to collectively as the federal non-discrimination laws). If you have any questions about this notice or any of DEQ's non-discrimination programs, policies or procedures, you may contact: Title VI Coordinator - Melanie Davenport; Virginia Department of Environmental Quality; P.O. Box 1105; Richmond, VA 23218; (804) 698-4000 (phone); (800) 592-5482 (toll-free); Melanie.Davenport@deq.virginia.gov.