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Due to record low water levels in the North Fork of the Shenandoah River, the City of Winchester is declaring a Drought Emergency effective at 4 p.m. on Friday, September 8, 2023. Since mid-August, the water volume in the North Fork of the Shenandoah River has averaged five to ten percent of normal volume, potentially threatening Winchester’s water supply.
Per the City of Winchester Municipal Code Chapter 29, Article Two, Division One, Section 29-27 (§ 29-27), the Drought Emergency declaration prohibits or limits high-volume water use activities in the City to safeguard our water supply for all.
Use Restrictions
Effective Friday, September 8, the following water-related activities are not permitted in the City of Winchester:
- Lawn watering
- Landscaping watering with a hose or containers over three (3) gallons in size between 10:00 a.m. and 9 p.m.
- Athletic field watering between 10:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.
- Washing or spraying paved surfaces
- Car washing with a hose or containers over three (3) gallons in size (except for commercial car washes)
- Commercial car washes not using recycled water or reducing water use by 10 percent
- Use of ornamental fountains or splash pads
- Use of fire hydrants for non-emergency purposes
- Serving water in restaurants unless requested by the customer
River Volumes at Record Low Levels
Data from the United States Geological Survey shows the current Shenandoah River volume (in yellow) compared to last year’s volume (in purple).
According to the State of Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and the Northern Shenandoah Valley Regional Water Supply Plan, a Drought Emergency should be declared when river volumes fall below 63 cubic feet per second for at least five days consecutively. The current situation on the North Fork of the Shenandoah River meets that qualification.
Penalties for Water Use Restrictions Violations
According to the City of Winchester Municipal Code § 29-27, “any person, firm, association, or corporation that violates the provisions, actions, and water use restrictions during a drought emergency shall be subject to the following notices and penalties:”
- First Offense: Written warning.
- Second Offense: Written penalty notice and disconnection of service. Water service shall not be turned back on until the payment of a reconnection fee of $100.00.
- Third Offense: Written penalty notice and disconnection of service. Water service shall not be turned back on until the Drought Emergency declaration has been lifted and repayment of a reconnection fee of $250.00. Persons violating water use restrictions for a third time shall be deemed guilty of a Class Four Misdemeanor.
Stay Informed
Community members with questions about the Drought Emergency or mandatory water use restrictions can call 540-662-4131 or email water@winchesterva.gov(link sends e-mail).
Stay informed by regularly checking www.winchesterva.gov/droughtemergency and following the City’s Facebook and Instagram pages.