City of Richmond, counties monitoring river levels, voluntary water restrictions could be on way

Along with regional partners in Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, and Powhatan counties, and as part of the James River Regional Flow Management Plan, the City of Richmond is closely monitoring the dropping river levels, the Department of Public Utilities announced today.

The recent dry weather and lack of forecasted significant rainfall in western Virginia could lead to a call for voluntary water conservation in the metro Richmond area. The Richmond region is supplied water by the James River basin, the largest watershed in the State. Water levels locally are affected when there are dry conditions and lack of rainfall within the drainage basin.

In the event river levels in the James reach the stage for conservation measures, an advisory will be issued asking all residents in the City of Richmond and surrounding counties to voluntarily reduce water usage.

“Though we are specifically talking about low river levels, water conservation should be an everyday practice for all residents and businesses,” DPW said in a statement. “Conserving water is an important tool in reducing water demand.”

Water conservation tips can be found online here.