BEDFORD COUNTY, Va. (WSET) — Bedford Water is asking all of its customers to voluntarily conserve water amid persistent drought conditions in the region.
Earlier this year, Bedford Water asked customers in the Smith Mountain Lake service area to voluntarily cut water use, but with dry conditions continuing, all customers are asked to lower their usage by 5-10%.
Until further notice, customers are asked to limit or eliminate non-essential water use, including:
Ornamental purposes (fountains, decorative ponds, artificial waterfalls, etc.)Outdoor non-commercial watering (gardens, lawns, recreation areas, etc.). If you must water, do it in the early morning or late evening to reduce evaporation and use a watering can or other container not exceeding three (3) gallons in capacity.Filling and operation of swimming pools. Cover pools when not in use to limit evaporation.Washing of motor vehicles (automobiles, trucks, boats, and trailers)Fire Hydrants (Except for firefighting and firefighting-related activities)Flushing of sewers and hydrants; washing of paved areas (sidewalks, driveways, patios, etc.)Air conditioning (Examples: Refilling cooling tower after draining, etc.)
Bedford Water said customers can further limit water use by doing the following:
Run only full dishwashers and washing machines.Don’t rinse plates before placing them in the dishwasher.Don’t let the water run while brushing teeth or shaving.Take 5-minute (or less) showers instead of baths.Use a broom to sweep driveways, walkways, and patios instead of hosing them down.Thaw food overnight in the refrigerator rather than using running water.
Bedford Water said its water supply from Smith Mountain Lake, Stoney Creek Reservoir and water purchased from Lynchburg Water Resources remains reliable.
Officials said they hope implementing voluntary water conservation efforts now will prevent mandatory water conservation in the future.