HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) – The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality’s Office of Water Supply said one of the indicators used to monitor droughts are wells placed around the commonwealth, which measure water table levels.
As of July 10, the well in McGaheysville which measures Rockingham County is sitting at 73.82 ft. It is on par with last summer’s measurement at this time but is steadily dropping. Office of Water Supply manager Weedon Cloe said if hot, dry conditions continue as they did in 2023, we may not see true relief until the fall.
“Without a good, replenishment of rain over a widespread area these levels will continue to drop until we reach a point where the leaves fall off the trees and the fall wetter weather comes back,” Cloe said.
Like many other localities in Virginia, Rockingham County has gotten small batches of rain during recent summer storms. Although the weather is out of our control, Cloe said it’s important for people at home to monitor water usage to help keep levels stabilized.
“I’ve been telling folks its as easy as turning off the tap when you are brushing your teeth. If everybody did it, that would save hundreds of gallons of water throughout, when spread out over a regional area,” Cloe said.
According to drought.gov as of July 7, The City of Harrisonburg and parts of Rockingham County, along with the City of Staunton, Augusta County are all in a severe drought. Shenandoah County is currently in a moderate drought.
Copyright 2024 WHSV. All rights reserved.