NBC29Preparing for Drought in Charlottesville

Preparing for Drought in Charlottesville

Reported by Annie Scholz
July 18, 2007 

We could be on the verge of a drought watch for parts of Central Virginia. This week's storms weren't enough and now the Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority is considering the watch for the greater Charlottesville area.

So what does that mean for you?

A lot of us hear the word drought and think the worst. According to the Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority, a drought watch isn't a reason to panic, but a reason to prepare.

"Mid-July time frame this is the most serious year that we've had since 2002," said RWSA's executive director Thomas Frederick. 

Thanks to recent dry conditions, the RWSA could turn that talk into action, declaring a drought watch as early as next week.

"It means there is a higher than normal risk that we are going into a drought and we ask the public to take voluntary efforts in a very serious way to try to conserve water," explained Frederick. 

But what about the water that fell in Monday's storms?

Frederick says, "They don't tend to impact the streams significantly. We saw that pattern this week."

He continued, "What we really need is a good frontal system with sustained rain. A good strong system that can bring 3 to 5, 6 inches of rain would be very very helpful."

Until that happens, if a watch is issued, it means information will come your way about how you can watch the amount of water you use in and around your home

"There will be an attempt by both the Albemarle County Service Authority and the City of Charlottesville working together to get information to all water customers," assured Frederick. 

A decision will come Monday as to whether a watch is issued or not. No matter the outcome, you can click here for more information about how you can conserve water.