Virginia’s Drought Monitoring Task Force (DMTF) has determined that all communities within the Roanoke Drought Evaluation Region are facing a drought emergency. The Town of Chatham and Pittsylvania County are within the affected region.
The DMTF defines a drought emergency when two or more of the following conditions are met. These conditions include precipitation levels at or below the percent of normal precipitation for the time period in the precipitation table; Streamflow in local waterways at or below the 5th percentile; Measured ground water levels at or below the 5th percentile for all historic levels; and reservoirs containing 60 days or less of useable storage (or appropriate criteria for non-water supply reservoirs).
The Town of Chatham asks all residential and business customers served by the Town’s freshwater system conserve water use. The Town will lead this effort by eliminating all non-essential water use activities. This includes any unrestricted irrigation, non-essential flushing of water lines, and all other discretionary uses that cause a loss of water.
All water customers have a key role in water conservation efforts. All customers are urged to report any known water leaks in the system. These leaks can occur anywhere and might not be on your property. A leak affects all system users.
Leaks can also be seen using the Town’s EyeonWater app. This app allows all Chatham water customers to see water use for their account in real time. The fast correction of a leak is critical for avoiding excessive water loss. Its use is strongly encouraged by all Chatham water users.
Residential customers can reduce or eliminate lawn irrigation or washing of cars and outdoor property for the duration of the drought. Users can fix running commodes and leaky faucets. Or ensure washing machines and dishwashers are at full load prior to operation. Every drop saved is helpful.
Business customers can take a more measured and careful approach with any potable water used for manufacturing or production, ensuring water waste is minimized. Likewise, limiting the washing of trucks or equipment would aid in conservation efforts for the duration of the drought. Businesses that require water, but don’t require potable water, are strongly urged to find a source of non-potable water for the duration of the emergency.