{"id":731846,"date":"2026-06-28T23:23:17","date_gmt":"2026-06-28T23:23:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/731846\/"},"modified":"2026-06-28T23:23:17","modified_gmt":"2026-06-28T23:23:17","slug":"james-river-levels-drop-richmond-eyes-water-conservation-advisory","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/731846\/","title":{"rendered":"James River levels drop; Richmond eyes water conservation advisory"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"cms-textAlign-left\">RICHMOND, Va. \u2014 Severe drought continues to grip much of Virginia, and metro Richmond could be next to face water conservation measures as river levels decline.<\/p>\n<p>Henrico County and the City of Richmond, along with Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, and Powhatan counties, are monitoring James River water levels. <\/p>\n<p>If those river flows do not improve, an advisory urging water customers to voluntarily reduce usage is expected on Wednesday, July 1, according to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. <\/p>\n<p>            <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/1782688996_370_.png\" alt=\"Cobbs Creek\"  width=\"1201\" height=\"617\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Henrico County<\/p>\n<p>        The Cobbs Creek Reservoir is a 1,117-acre reservoir in Cumberland County, Va.<\/p>\n<p>Henrico has been releasing water from its <a class=\"Link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/henricova\/posts\/pfbid022Hj4wT213yQqdRd9U6GDT12q79aAVuNGzoyYHGVLW8F6Q4DxMsCwF5t8A5DJNg3Cl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Cobbs Creek reservoir in Cumberland County since earlier this month to help maintain &#8220;water flows.&#8221;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>The James River basin, which supplies water to the area and is the largest watershed in Virginia, has been affected by dry conditions in the western parts of the state.<\/p>\n<p>The Virginia Drought Monitoring Task Force continued existing drought advisory statuses for the state following its latest assessment. Twenty-nine community water systems already have mandatory conservation measures in place across Caroline, Fauquier, Louisa, Powhatan and Shenandoah counties.<\/p>\n<p>            <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/1782688997_925_.png\" alt=\"drought june 25.png\"  width=\"1280\" height=\"720\"\/><\/p>\n<p>(WTVR)<\/p>\n<p>Much of the state received between 0.5 and 2 inches of rain over the past two weeks, which has prevented drought conditions from worsening. However, dry soils, low streamflows, and below-normal groundwater levels mean severe drought conditions remain across large swaths of the Commonwealth, particularly areas that received minimal rain.<\/p>\n<p>Statewide precipitation is now 8.5 inches below normal for the water year, which began Oct. 1, 2025.<\/p>\n<p>Governor Abigail Spanberger continues to encourage Virginians to voluntarily conserve water. Spanberger issued that call earlier this month in coordination with the task force, describing the conditions as the driest period Virginia has recorded since 1941.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;All Virginians can play a role in protecting our water supply during this historic dry period,&#8221; Spanberger said. &#8220;As communities across the Commonwealth \u2014 particularly in Southside and Central Virginia \u2014 continue to be impacted by these conditions, it is important that we take commonsense steps to meet this challenge.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>The latest U.S. Drought Monitor, released Thursday and based on conditions through Tuesday, June 24, shows 22% of the state is in moderate drought, 52% is in severe drought, and 26% is in extreme drought. The previous week&#8217;s figures were 15% moderate, 52% severe, and 33% extreme. Although the area covered by extreme drought (level 4 out of 5) dropped by 7% in the past week, it still includes around one-quarter of Virginia. And moderate drought has expanded, suggesting dry conditions are spreading into areas that were previously less affected.<\/p>\n<p>    What residents can do now<\/p>\n<p>Officials say water conservation should be an everyday practice at home and at work. Suggested steps include:<\/p>\n<p>Shorten showersRun full loads of dishes and laundryTurn off faucets while brushing teeth or shavingDisable automatic lawn sprinklersReduce lawn and garden watering to alternating days, watering only between dusk and dawnTurn off ornamental fountainsLimit washing of vehicles and paved surfaces unless addressing public health and safetyLimit filling of swimming pools<\/p>\n<p>Tracking Virginia Drought: Maps show percentage of normal precipitation over time<\/p>\n<p>    Drought indicators<\/p>\n<p>Streamflow conditions have shown some improvement in western and northern parts of the state, but longer-term average streamflows remain below normal statewide.<\/p>\n<p>Soil moisture has improved slightly in shallow soils but remains well below normal in deeper soils throughout most of the state. The driest conditions are concentrated along the Blue Ridge Mountains and along the central and eastern portions of the Virginia-North Carolina border.<\/p>\n<p>Groundwater levels in 19 of the state&#8217;s 24 monitoring wells remain below the 10th percentile for this time of year. Long-term groundwater recovery remains a concern and will require a prolonged period of above-normal rainfall.<\/p>\n<p>Reservoir levels across the Commonwealth are within normal ranges, with two exceptions. Water levels at Smith Mountain Lake are at warning status, and the John Kerr Reservoir is at watch status.<\/p>\n<p>    Mandatory restrictions already in place<\/p>\n<p>Twenty-nine community water systems have mandatory conservation measures in place across Caroline, Fauquier, Louisa, Powhatan, and Shenandoah counties.<\/p>\n<p>In Caroline County, residents served by municipal systems \u2014 including Bowling Green, Port Royal, Milford Sanitary District, Woodford Estates, and several mobile home parks \u2014 face limitations that prohibit lawn watering, strictly limit car washing, and allow garden watering only on certain days based on address. Filling swimming pools over 1,000 gallons requires county approval.<\/p>\n<p>Parts of Louisa County, including New Bridge and Zion Crossroads, are under mandatory conservation orders after well levels dropped below normal levels.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Water conservation is always a preferred practice, but the continued dry weather requires mandatory restrictions be enacted,&#8221; county officials said. &#8220;Mandating restrictions is intended to prevent shortages of safe potable drinking water for the County citizens connected to these public water systems.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>The Town of Gordonsville in Orange County and multiple subdivisions across Fauquier and Shenandoah counties have also enacted mandatory conservation, meaning nonessential water use is not only discouraged but can trigger penalties.<\/p>\n<p>Residents in affected areas are urged to check their locality&#8217;s website or contact their water provider for details on outdoor water use rules.<\/p>\n<p>    What could come next<\/p>\n<p>Without continued above-normal rainfall, drought conditions are expected to worsen as summer temperatures rise and evapotranspiration rates increase.  Evapotranspiration includes water that evaporates from ground surfaces as well as through plants.  <\/p>\n<p>If conditions deteriorate further, drought advisories in certain localities could be upgraded from warning to emergency status, which would trigger additional mandatory water use restrictions.<\/p>\n<p>If the governor declares a Drought Emergency by executive order, mandatory water use restrictions for certain users and industries would be implemented. Virginia&#8217;s most recent Drought Emergency was declared in the summer of 2002 by Governor Warner.<\/p>\n<p>David Bulova, Viginia&#8217;s Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources, has warned that the window for voluntary action is narrowing.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Taking simple steps now to reduce our own consumption can help prevent more serious restrictions as we move into the summer months,&#8221; Bulova said. &#8220;We will continue to regularly monitor conditions with the Drought Monitoring Task Force as we move into the hottest time of year.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"cms-textAlign-center\">WATCH: Virginia farmers face drought, rising costs as they await financial relief<\/p>\n<p>Virginia farmers face drought, rising costs as they await financial relief<\/p>\n<p>    Farmers seek solutions<\/p>\n<p>As drought conditions persist, Virginia State University&#8217;s College of Agriculture hosted a free Farmer-Focused Field Day on Friday at VSU&#8217;s Randolph Farm to help small farmers enhance their operations while protecting the environment.<\/p>\n<p>The event showcased innovative agricultural techniques and research designed to boost farm profitability and sustainability during the drought, including demonstrations on high tunnel production for blueberries and organic tomatoes, field ginger and turmeric cultivation, controlled environment agriculture, and VSU&#8217;s newly developed Trojan Orange tomato line. The university&#8217;s new beef cattle program also showcased South Poll cattle and technologies, including rumen boluses, smart ear tags, and virtual fencing collars.<\/p>\n<p>Tabitha Brugg, an agent with VSU&#8217;s Small Farm Outreach Program, described the toll the drought is taking on the land and everything connected to it.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The land has become more desiccated; the plant vigor and viability decrease,&#8221; Brugg said. &#8220;Animals that eat upon these things, the crops that we eat from them, everything is just interconnected.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Brugg said the drought is also drawing new attention to the importance of soil health.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;So with the droughts coming in, I think people are starting to recognize the importance of composting practices,&#8221; Brugg said.<\/p>\n<p>The event highlighted practical solutions farmers can adapt to their operations, from drip irrigation systems and companion planting to intercropping with regionally appropriate crops.<\/p>\n<p>Farmer Herbert A. Brown Sr. from Brunswick County said the event provides valuable knowledge he can share with his community.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Well, a lot of people don&#8217;t realize where their food comes from,&#8221; Brown said. &#8220;The only thing they know is to go to the grocery stores. If you know your farmer, you know where your food comes from.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Brugg stressed the health and economic benefits of supporting local agriculture during the drought.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;If you eat well, you can think well. That&#8217;ll help you make better decisions and have a better outlook on yourself, you know, and the longevity and the quality of life is increased,&#8221; Brugg said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"cms-textAlign-center\">WATCH: Severe drought threatens crops, livestock in Virginia as farmers beg for rain<\/p>\n<p>Severe drought threatens crops, livestock in Dinwiddie as farmers beg for rain<\/p>\n<p>    Farmers bearing the brunt<\/p>\n<p>Virginia&#8217;s nearly 40,000 farms are facing potential financial ruin without significant rainfall and government assistance. In Dinwiddie County, <a class=\"Link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wtvr.com\/news\/local-news\/tri-cities\/virginia-farmers-drought-awaiting-relief-june-8-2026\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">cattle farmer Jamie Van Cleef told WTVR CBS 6 earlier this month that hay yields have collapsed.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We&#8217;re getting one bale to a bale-and-a-half per acre, where we normally get four to five bales per acre, in a good field,&#8221; Van Cleef said.<\/p>\n<p>If forced to dip into hay reserves set aside for winter, the consequences could be severe.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Unless we have a good second cutting and we have to start feeding early, we&#8217;ll have to be forced to sell cattle, and that&#8217;s the bottom line,&#8221; Van Cleef said.<\/p>\n<p>Double B Farms in Dinwiddie County has been operating for more than 100 years. Billy Bain has worked the land for more than 60 years and said conditions are the worst he has seen.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Every crop, including pastures and forage, we&#8217;re suffering. Bad as I&#8217;ve ever seen it for the springtime,&#8221; Bain said.<\/p>\n<p>The U.S. Department of Agriculture has discussed bringing $60 million in aid to Virginia, but Bain said that money has not reached row crop farmers.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t see anything, especially for row crop farmers,&#8221; Bain said.<\/p>\n<p>Both farmers said they are looking to the governor&#8217;s office for more direct relief.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Any funding that can come forward to help any segment of agriculture is going to be a big help,&#8221; Bain said.<\/p>\n<p>The USDA has used its fast-track disaster declaration process to designate drought disasters across dozens of Virginia localities, giving producers access to emergency loans and other assistance. Virginia continues to coordinate with the USDA and federal partners to ensure resources are available to affected farmers and growers.<\/p>\n<p>  Virginia Drought &amp; Water Conservation Status \u2013 Complete List (June 26, 2026)<\/p>\n<p>  Virginia Water Conservation Orders &amp; Restrictions as of June 26, 2026<\/p>\n<p>\n    Instructions: Search for your city, county or water system below.<\/p>\n<p>\n    Having trouble viewing this page? Turn your phone sideways or use the search bar above the table to quickly find your locality.\n  <\/p>\n<p>        City\/County<br \/>\n        Water System\/Community<br \/>\n        Date<br \/>\n        Restrictions?<\/p>\n<p>LOUISA COUNTYBLUE RIDGE SHORES06\/10\/2026Mandatory<br \/>\nLOUISA COUNTYNEW BRIDGE06\/08\/2026Mandatory<br \/>\nLOUISA COUNTYLOUISA COUNTY ZION CROSSROADS06\/08\/2026Mandatory<br \/>\nSHENANDOAH COUNTYWOODSTOCK, TOWN OF05\/22\/2026Mandatory<br \/>\nPOWHATAN COUNTYTILMANS FARM06\/17\/2026Mandatory<br \/>\nCAROLINE COUNTYCAROLINE UTILITY SYSTEM06\/05\/2026Mandatory<br \/>\nCAROLINE COUNTYMILFORD SANITARY  DISTRICT04\/17\/2026Mandatory<br \/>\nCAROLINE COUNTYWOODFORD ESTATES MHCMandatory<br \/>\nCAROLINE COUNTYBOWLING GREEN, TOWN OF04\/20\/2026Mandatory<br \/>\nCAROLINE COUNTYPORT ROYAL, TOWN OF04\/17\/2026Mandatory<br \/>\nCAROLINE COUNTYTIDEWATER MHPMandatory<br \/>\nCAROLINE COUNTYTOWNFIELD-PRL04\/17\/2026Mandatory<br \/>\nFAUQUIER COUNTYAUBURN CROSSING06\/05\/2026Mandatory<br \/>\nFAUQUIER COUNTYBETHEL ACADEMY SUBDIVISION06\/05\/2026Mandatory<br \/>\nFAUQUIER COUNTYBOTHA SUBDIVISION06\/05\/2026Mandatory<br \/>\nFAUQUIER COUNTYOPAL REGIONAL06\/05\/2026Mandatory<br \/>\nFAUQUIER COUNTYCATLETT SUBDIVISION06\/05\/2026Mandatory<br \/>\nFAUQUIER COUNTYBEALETON REGIONAL06\/05\/2026Mandatory<br \/>\nFAUQUIER COUNTYGREEN MEADOWS SUBDIVISION06\/05\/2026Mandatory<br \/>\nFAUQUIER COUNTYMARSHALL WATERWORKS06\/05\/2026Mandatory<br \/>\nFAUQUIER COUNTYNEW BALTIMORE REGIONAL06\/05\/2026Mandatory<br \/>\nFAUQUIER COUNTYPARIS06\/05\/2026Mandatory<br \/>\nFAUQUIER COUNTYPLAINS, THE06\/05\/2026Mandatory<br \/>\nFAUQUIER COUNTYMEADOWS, THE06\/05\/2026Mandatory<br \/>\nFAUQUIER COUNTYTURNBULL06\/05\/2026Mandatory<br \/>\nFAUQUIER COUNTYVINT HILL06\/05\/2026Mandatory<br \/>\nFAUQUIER COUNTYWATERLOO ESTATES06\/05\/2026Mandatory<br \/>\nFAUQUIER COUNTYWHITEWOOD FOREST06\/05\/2026Mandatory<br \/>\nORANGE COUNTYGORDONSVILLE, TOWN OF05\/21\/2026Mandatory<br \/>\nESSEX COUNTYRIVERDALE SUBDIVISION06\/04\/2026Press Release Encouraging Water Efficiency<br \/>\nESSEX COUNTYVA AMERICAN SOUTH HILL BANKS06\/04\/2026Press Release Encouraging Water Efficiency<br \/>\nKING WILLIAM COUNTYMARLE HILL SUBDIVISION06\/04\/2026Press Release Encouraging Water Efficiency<br \/>\nKING WILLIAM COUNTYMARLE HILL SECTION 306\/04\/2026Press Release Encouraging Water Efficiency<br \/>\nLANCASTER COUNTYCORROTOMAN BY THE BAY06\/04\/2026Press Release Encouraging Water Efficiency<br \/>\nNORTHUMBERLAND COUNTYVA AMERICAN WATER BAY HARBOR06\/04\/2026Press Release Encouraging Water Efficiency<br \/>\nNORTHUMBERLAND COUNTYBAY QUARTER SHORES06\/04\/2026Press Release Encouraging Water Efficiency<br \/>\nNORTHUMBERLAND COUNTYVA AMERICAN WATER GREENFIELD HARBOR I06\/04\/2026Press Release Encouraging Water Efficiency<br \/>\nNORTHUMBERLAND COUNTYVA AMERICAN WATER GREENFIELD HARBOR II06\/04\/2026Press Release Encouraging Water Efficiency<br \/>\nNORTHUMBERLAND COUNTYJETTYS REACH06\/04\/2026Press Release Encouraging Water Efficiency<br \/>\nNORTHUMBERLAND COUNTYVA AMERICAN WATER JETTY&#8217;S REACH III06\/04\/2026Press Release Encouraging Water Efficiency<br \/>\nNORTHUMBERLAND COUNTYVA AMERICAN WATER LUCOM POINT06\/04\/2026Press Release Encouraging Water Efficiency<br \/>\nNORTHUMBERLAND COUNTYSHERWOOD FOREST SHORES06\/04\/2026Press Release Encouraging Water Efficiency<br \/>\nNORTHUMBERLAND COUNTYVA AMERICAN WATER SPRIGGS LANDING06\/04\/2026Press Release Encouraging Water Efficiency<br \/>\nNORTHUMBERLAND COUNTYVA AMERICAN WATER UPPER BAY VIEW ESTATES06\/04\/2026Press Release Encouraging Water Efficiency<br \/>\nWESTMORELAND COUNTYADAMS GROVE06\/04\/2026Press Release Encouraging Water Efficiency<br \/>\nWESTMORELAND COUNTYBERKLEY BEACH &#8211; EBB TIDE BEACH06\/04\/2026Press Release Encouraging Water Efficiency<br \/>\nWESTMORELAND COUNTYCABIN POINT AND GLEBE HARBOUR06\/04\/2026Press Release Encouraging Water Efficiency<br \/>\nWESTMORELAND COUNTYVA AMERICAN DARL SUBDIVISION06\/04\/2026Press Release Encouraging Water Efficiency<br \/>\nWESTMORELAND COUNTYDRIFTWOOD BEACH06\/04\/2026Press Release Encouraging Water Efficiency<br \/>\nWESTMORELAND COUNTYBLEAK HALL06\/04\/2026Press Release Encouraging Water Efficiency<br \/>\nWESTMORELAND COUNTYMONTROSS MOBILE HOME VILLAGE06\/04\/2026Press Release Encouraging Water Efficiency<br \/>\nWESTMORELAND COUNTYOLD PROSPECT LANDING06\/04\/2026Press Release Encouraging Water Efficiency<br \/>\nWESTMORELAND COUNTYPOTOMAC WESTMORELAND SHORES06\/04\/2026Press Release Encouraging Water Efficiency<br \/>\nWESTMORELAND COUNTYSTRATFORD HARBOUR06\/04\/2026Press Release Encouraging Water Efficiency<br \/>\nALBEMARLE COUNTYEARLYSVILLE FOREST05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nALBEMARLE COUNTYPEACOCK HILL SUBDIVISION05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nBATH COUNTYASHWOOD &#8211; BCSA06\/02\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nBATH COUNTYBATH COUNTY REGIONAL &#8211; BCSA06\/02\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nBATH COUNTYCEDAR CREEK &#8211; BCSA06\/02\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nBATH COUNTYCLIFTON FORGE MOUNTAIN &#8211; BCSA06\/02\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nBATH COUNTYMILLBORO &#8211; BCSA06\/02\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nBATH COUNTYTHOMASTOWN\/CROWDERTOWN\/SWITCHBACK &#8211; BCSA06\/02\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nBOTETOURT COUNTYMOUNTAIN VIEW05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nBOTETOURT COUNTYBLUE RIDGE HEIGHTS05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nBOTETOURT COUNTYBRITISH WOODS05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nBOTETOURT COUNTYHEATHERSTONE\/BOTETOURT FOREST05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nBOTETOURT COUNTYOAKWOOD\/PARKVIEW05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nBOTETOURT COUNTYRAINBOW FOREST05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nBOTETOURT COUNTYWHITE OAK ESTATES05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nFLUVANNA COUNTYCOLUMBIA05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nFLUVANNA COUNTYLAKE MONTICELLO05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nFLUVANNA COUNTYPALMYRA05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nFLUVANNA COUNTYSTAGECOACH HILLS05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nFREDERICK COUNTYSHAWNEE LAND05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nFREDERICK COUNTYLAKE HOLIDAY ESTATES05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nNELSON COUNTYSTONEY CREEK VILLAGE05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nROCKINGHAM COUNTYBROADWAY, TOWN OF05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nROCKINGHAM COUNTYCOUNTRYSIDE SANITARY DISTRICT &#8211; RCPW05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nROCKINGHAM COUNTYHARMANY HILLS &#8211; RCPW05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nROCKINGHAM COUNTYLILLY SUBDIVISION SANITARY DIST. &#8211; RCPW05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nROCKINGHAM COUNTYMASSANUTTEN VILLAGE05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nROCKINGHAM COUNTYMOUNT CRAWFORD-RCPW05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nROCKINGHAM COUNTYR.R. DONNELLEY- RCPW05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nROCKINGHAM COUNTYTHREE SPRINGS REGIONAL &#8211; RCPW05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nSHENANDOAH COUNTYEDINBURG EXTENDED05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nSHENANDOAH COUNTYHOLLER SUBDIVISION05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nSHENANDOAH COUNTYMASSANUTTEN VIEW SUBDIVISION05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nSHENANDOAH COUNTYNEW MARKET, TOWN OF05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nSHENANDOAH COUNTYRYAN SUBDIVISION05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nHARRISONBURG CITYHARRISONBURG, CITY OF05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nWAYNESBORO CITYWAYNESBORO, CITY OF05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nACCOMACK COUNTYCAPTAINS COVE05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nDINWIDDIE COUNTYCHESDIN MANOR SUBDIVISION05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nDINWIDDIE COUNTYSTONY SPRINGS SUBDIVISION05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nGREENSVILLE COUNTYROLLING ACRES05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nJAMES CITY COUNTYGLENWOOD ACRES-JCSA04\/20\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nJAMES CITY COUNTYJCSA &#8211; CENTRAL SYSTEM04\/20\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nJAMES CITY COUNTYKINGS VILLAGE &#8211; JCSA04\/20\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nJAMES CITY COUNTYHEATHS MOBILE HOMES04\/20\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nJAMES CITY COUNTYRACEFIELD &#8211; JCSA04\/20\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nJAMES CITY COUNTYRETREAT (JCSA)04\/20\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nJAMES CITY COUNTYWARE CREEK MANOR &#8211; JCSA04\/20\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nJAMES CITY COUNTYWEXFORD HILLS &#8211; JCSA04\/20\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nYORK COUNTYCARVER GARDENS05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nYORK COUNTYLIGHTFOOT SYSTEM05\/21\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nYORK COUNTYNELSON PARK05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nYORK COUNTYQUEENS LAKE SYSTEM05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nYORK COUNTYYORK TERRACE SYSTEM05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nNEWPORT NEWS CITYNEWPORT NEWS, CITY OF05\/21\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nCHARLES CITY COUNTYGLENDALE ACRES05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nESSEX COUNTYDAINGERFIELD SUBDIVISION05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nESSEX COUNTYGWYNNFIELD SUBDIVISION05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nESSEX COUNTYMARYFIELD SUB.05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nESSEX COUNTYMILLERS SQUARE05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nGOOCHLAND COUNTYCROZIER05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nGOOCHLAND COUNTYJAMES RIVER ESTATES05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nGOOCHLAND COUNTYMANAKIN FARMS05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nGOOCHLAND COUNTYPAGEBROOK05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nHANOVER COUNTYAVONDALE05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nHANOVER COUNTYCHERRYDALE SUBDIVISION05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nHANOVER COUNTYCOLONIAL FOREST05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nHANOVER COUNTYHANOVER FARMS05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nHANOVER COUNTYHIGH POINT FARMS NO. 105\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nHANOVER COUNTYHOLLY RIDGE NO 105\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nHANOVER COUNTYMAYFIELD FARMS05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nHANOVER COUNTYRAINIER ESTATES05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nHANOVER COUNTYRURAL POINT CENTRAL05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nHANOVER COUNTYSPRING MEADOWS-MEADOW GATE05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nHANOVER COUNTYWALNUT GROVE NO 105\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nKING WILLIAM COUNTYBLACK CREEK SUBDIVISION05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nKING WILLIAM COUNTYOAK SPRINGS05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nKING WILLIAM COUNTYVENTER HEIGHTS SUBDIVISION05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nKING WILLIAM COUNTYWOODRUFF SUBDIVISION05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nLANCASTER COUNTYBALL POINT05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nLANCASTER COUNTYBLACK STUMP05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nLANCASTER COUNTYCHURCHFIELDS05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nLANCASTER COUNTYCORBIN &#8211; LEWIS ESTATES05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nLANCASTER COUNTYCOVE COLONY05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nLANCASTER COUNTYFOXWELLS05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nLANCASTER COUNTYIRVINGTON COMMUNITY OF05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nLANCASTER COUNTYTARTAN05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nLANCASTER COUNTYLANCASTER COURTHOUSE05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nLANCASTER COUNTYLANCASTER SHORES05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nLANCASTER COUNTYLAUREL POINT05\/19\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nLANCASTER COUNTYLIVELY, COMMUNITY OF05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nLANCASTER COUNTYWEEMS05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nLANCASTER COUNTYWHITE STONE05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nMATHEWS COUNTYCHESAPEAKE SHORES05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nMATHEWS COUNTYCOBBS SHORES05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nMIDDLESEX COUNTYCEDAR POINTE05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nMIDDLESEX COUNTYKILMERS POINT05\/18\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nMIDDLESEX COUNTYLUCYS COVE05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nMIDDLESEX COUNTYTOWN OF SALUDA05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nNEW KENT COUNTYBROOKWOOD MANOR05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nNEW KENT COUNTYFIVE LAKES NO 105\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nNEW KENT COUNTYWINDSOR PARK05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nNORTHUMBERLAND COUNTYBELLS COVE SUBDIVISION05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nNORTHUMBERLAND COUNTYBON HARBOURS05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nNORTHUMBERLAND COUNTYBROWNS STORE05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nNORTHUMBERLAND COUNTYBURGESS05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nNORTHUMBERLAND COUNTYCALLAO05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nNORTHUMBERLAND COUNTYCHESAPEAKE BAY ESTATES05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nNORTHUMBERLAND COUNTYGLEBE POINT05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nNORTHUMBERLAND COUNTYHEATHSVILLE05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nNORTHUMBERLAND COUNTYINDIAN CREEK ESTATES05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nNORTHUMBERLAND COUNTYLOTTSBURG05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nNORTHUMBERLAND COUNTYMALLARD BAY SUBDIVISION05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nNORTHUMBERLAND COUNTYNORTHUMBERLAND PLANTATION05\/21\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nNORTHUMBERLAND COUNTYREEDVILLE, TOWN OF05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nNORTHUMBERLAND COUNTYRIVERBEND ESTATES05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nNORTHUMBERLAND COUNTYWHITE SAND HARBOUR05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nNORTHUMBERLAND COUNTYWICOMICO CHURCH05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nNORTHUMBERLAND COUNTYWICOMICO RIDGE05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nPOWHATAN COUNTYLAKE SHAWNEE ESTATES05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nPOWHATAN COUNTYMILL QUARTER PLANTATION05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nPOWHATAN COUNTYPOWHATAN COURTHOUSE05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nRICHMOND COUNTYBELL ACRES05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nRICHMOND COUNTYLUTTRELLVILLE05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nRICHMOND COUNTYPLEASANT VIEW ESTATES05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nRICHMOND COUNTYSCHOOLHOUSE MEADOWS05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nWESTMORELAND COUNTYBUSHFIELD05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nWESTMORELAND COUNTYGENERAL PARKER SHORES05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nWESTMORELAND COUNTYHORNERS BEACH05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nWESTMORELAND COUNTYKINSALE, TOWN OF05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nWESTMORELAND COUNTYNOMINI BAY FARMS05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nWESTMORELAND COUNTYSANDY POINT SUBDIVISION05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nCAROLINE COUNTYCAMPBELL`S CREEK SUBDIVISION05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nCAROLINE COUNTYELSINORE SUBDIVISION05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nCAROLINE COUNTYLAKE CAROLINE05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nCAROLINE COUNTYLAKE LAND`OR05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nCAROLINE COUNTYTWIN CEDARS05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nCULPEPER COUNTYCATALPA SUBDIVISION05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nCULPEPER COUNTYCEDARBROOKE SUBDIVISION05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nCULPEPER COUNTYCHURCHILL SUBDIVISION05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nCULPEPER COUNTYDUTCH HOLLOW SUBDIVISION05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nCULPEPER COUNTYFOREST VIEW SUBDIVISION05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nCULPEPER COUNTYGIBSON MILLS SUBDIVISION05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nCULPEPER COUNTYHAZEL RIVER05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nCULPEPER COUNTYHERITAGE ESTATES05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nCULPEPER COUNTYMERRIMAC SOUTH05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nCULPEPER COUNTYMOUNTAIN VIEW TRAILER PARK05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nCULPEPER COUNTYNORMAN ACRES SUBDIVISION05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nCULPEPER COUNTYNORTHTOWN VILLAGE05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nCULPEPER COUNTYOVERLOOK HEIGHTS COMBINED05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nCULPEPER COUNTYPELHAM MANOR05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nCULPEPER COUNTYSPRINGWOOD SUBDIVISION05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nCULPEPER COUNTYWESTOVER ESTATES05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nCULPEPER COUNTYWILDWOOD FOREST05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nFAIRFAX COUNTYFAIRFAX COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY06\/03\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nFAUQUIER COUNTYDRYSDALE SUBDIVISION05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nKING GEORGE COUNTYPRESIDENTIAL LAKES, SECT. 1405\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nLOUDOUN COUNTYLEESBURG, TOWN OF06\/04\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nLOUDOUN COUNTYLOUDOUN WATER &#8211; CENTRAL SYSTEM06\/03\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nLOUDOUN COUNTYPURCELLVILLE, TOWN OFVoluntary<br \/>\nLOUDOUN COUNTYROUND HILL, TOWN OFVoluntary<br \/>\nMADISON COUNTYACHSAH ACRES05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nMADISON COUNTYOAK PARK SUBDIVISION05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nMADISON COUNTYVALLEY VIEW05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nORANGE COUNTYWOLFTRAP WOODS05\/22\/2026Voluntary<br \/>\nSPOTSYLVANIA COUNTYLAKE WILDERNESS05\/22\/2026Voluntary<\/p>\n<p>\n    Source: Virginia Department of Health&#8217;s Office of Drinking Water, compiled and structured by WTVR CBS 6.\n  <\/p>\n<p>\nEvery day CBS 6 News&#8217; award-winning journalists search for diverse voices and perspectives from communities across Central Virginia. We listen, give a voice to the voiceless and amplify the voices that make our home special.\n<\/p>\n<p>Connect with CBS 6: Email newstips@wtvr.com, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wtvr.com\/about\/contact-us\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">submit a news tip, <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wtvr.com\/about-us\/news-team\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">contact a reporter <\/a>or call our newsroom at 804-254-3684.<\/p>\n<p>\nExplore the stories we&#8217;re covering in your community:<\/p>\n<p>    Eat It, Virginia! with Scott and Robey<\/p>\n<p class=\"cms-textAlign-center\">This story was initially reported by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy. To learn more about how we use AI in our newsroom, <a class=\"Link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wtvr.com\/news\/local-news\/how-we-use-ai-at-wtvr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"RICHMOND, Va. \u2014 Severe drought continues to grip much of Virginia, and metro Richmond could be next to&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":731847,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[47],"tags":[10344,315118,192,315119,166343,10345,315117,315113,315115,23373,10346,315112,79,1898,5148,315111,315116,315120,315114],"class_list":["post-731846","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-environment","tag-chesterfield-county","tag-deq-drought-advisory","tag-environment","tag-governor-spanberger-drought","tag-hanover-county","tag-henrico-county","tag-henrico-county-water","tag-james-river-drought","tag-mandatory-water-conservation-virginia","tag-petersburg","tag-richmond","tag-richmond-water-conservation","tag-science","tag-tri-cities","tag-virginia","tag-virginia-drought-2026","tag-virginia-drought-update","tag-virginia-farmers-drought","tag-virginia-state-university-drought"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/731846","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=731846"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/731846\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/731847"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=731846"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=731846"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=731846"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}