A drought is currently shrinking major water sources across the United States, but that's not the case in Albemarle County. Rivers and streams are in even better shape than last year.
Albemarle's dry season runs from May to November, depending on rainfall and the peak of the dry season that hits in August.
Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority Executive Director Tom Frederick says despite hot weather and not much rainfall, area water supply is at level and even better than last year.
"I would categorize what's going on in our reservoirs at this point as in pretty good shape," Frederick said.
Ragged Mountain Reservoir sits full, even though it was lowered for construction.
The only water source serving the urban water system on a regular basis that is not full is Sugar Hollow, which feeds into the Ragged Mountain Reservoir by pipeline.
Frederick said, "It's down about 19 million gallons, but still has 305 million gallons of usable storage left, so that's not significant."
Frederick said the upcoming eight weeks are most critical to monitor because water veins pumping through Albemarle County will be most vulnerable to the daunting effects of drought season.
"Some measures might be needed," said Frederick. "We'll just have to wait and see what happens before we make that determination."
There would be a formal call for conservation if August 2012's weather drives central Virginia into a drought. Frederick says he doesn't see that happening, especially if we get good rainfall in August.
