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Area Officially in Drought Watch; Residents Asked to Reduce Water Use

The Metropolitan Washington area is in a drought watch, and residents are asked to reduce their water usage, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments announced Monday.

“As the region experiences unusually dry conditions that are expected to persist despite recent rainfall, a Drought Watch was put into effect today [Monday] by the Drought Coordination Committee of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG),” according to a news release.

This is a voluntary request for the nearly 6 million residents as well as businesses in the area.

A drought watch comes before a drought warning.

There currently is “an adequate supply of water in the Potomac River and back-up reservoirs,” it states in the news release.

“As officials continue to closely monitor drought conditions in the region, it is important for the public to use water wisely”, said Clark Mercer, COG Executive Director, adding that “with a few simple measures, we can all aid in water conservation efforts and help ensure an adequate water supply for our region.”

Officials recommend:

  • Monitor watering lawns, plants and shrubs;
  • Sweep sidewalks and driveways (instead of using a hose);
  • Avoid washing your car, or instead use a commercial car wash that recycles water;
  • Fix any plumbing leaks – especially toilets and faucets;
  • Reduce shower length to under 5 minutes;
  • Turn off water while brushing your teeth; and
  • Wash full loads of dishes and clothes.

According to the COG, the Potomac River is low, but three water supply reservoirs were constructed in the early 1980s to provide water during droughts. These reservoirs are full and, if needed, water can be released to supplement the flow in the river.

During the past two months, there have been record-breaking high temperatures along with some periods of low streamflow and groundwater levels, according to the news release.

NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center has declared that 95 percent of the Potomac River Basin is experiencing abnormal to extreme drought and precipitation levels have dropped almost four inches below normal in the past 60 days.

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