BERRYVILLE, VA (June 26, 2024)  On June 24, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), in coordination with the Virginia Drought Monitoring Task Force, issued a drought warning advisory in 12 counties, including Clarke. A drought warning indicates a significant drought is imminent.

The DEQ also issued a drought watch advisory for 95 counties and cities, meaning the entire Commonwealth is adversely affected by precipitation deficits combined with high temperatures.

In response, Clarke County asks residents to consider the following voluntary actions to conserve water available through public systems and private wells:

• Run dishwasher only when full.
• Wash only full loads of laundry.
• Turn off faucets while brushing teeth, shaving, etc.
• Limit showers to 5-10 min per day.
• Place rain barrels under gutter downspouts to collect water for plants, car washing, or general cleaning projects.
• Do not plant new landscaping or grass.

For more information and updates, refer to the “Drought and Environmental Water” web page, or contact Conservation Planner & GIS Coordinator Lorien Lemmon at (540) 955-5134 or llemmon@clarkecounty.gov.