Gov. Abigail Spanberger is urging Virginians to increase water conservation efforts as drought conditions worsen across the commonwealth.
The Roanoke Drought Evaluation Region — which includes Patrick and Henry counties and the city of Martinsville — has reached drought emergency status, according to the Virginia Drought Monitoring Task Force. The region also includes Bedford, Campbell, Charlotte, Franklin, Halifax, Mecklenburg, Pittsylvania and Roanoke counties, along with the cities of Danville, Roanoke and Salem.
The task force recommended the emergency designation on July 7 after nearly a year of below-average rainfall. State and local officials are evaluating additional steps if conditions do not improve.
“In the midst of this historic dry period, all Virginians can help preserve our water supply,” Spanberger said. “Increased water conservation measures are critical to protect access to adequate water supplies for Virginia’s families, farms, and communities as the drought persists.”
