RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Recent rains were not enough to help Virginia’s dry conditions, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has now expanded a drought watch advisory to cover the majority of the Commonwealth.
On Monday, Nov. 27, the DEQ added 42 more counties under its previous drought advisory released in August. The advisory includes counties in all regions except southwest Virginia, the Middle Peninsula and Tidewater.
Some of the areas which have been added to the drought watch advisory include:
- Albemarle County
- Buckingham County
- Fluvanna County
- Prince Edward County
- Cumberland County
- Goochland County
- Amelia County
- Powhatan County
- Chesterfield County
- Petersburg
- Hopewell
- Colonial Heights
- Henrico County
- Hanover County
- Madison County
- Orange County
- Greene County
- Louisa County
The DEQ said recent rain has helped reduce dry conditions, but it has not been enough to improve the low soil moisture, stream flows and groundwater levels in Virginia.
According to the DEQ, stream flows are below 25% of the normal value across Virginia — with Shenandoah, Northern Piedmont and Northern Virginia regions below 5%.
Groundwater levels are below 25% of the normal value in the Eastern Shore, Big Sandy, Middle James, Northern Piedmont and York-James regions.
The DEQ advises all Virginians to protect water supplies by minimizing water use, monitoring drought conditions and detecting and repairing leaks.
According to the DEQ, the previous drought advisory issued in August will remain in effect.
For the full list of counties added to the drought watch advisory, visit the DEQ website.
