La Autoridad de Agua y Alcantarillado de Rivanna emite alerta de sequía

ACSA urges water conservation, offers tips

The Rivanna Water & Sewer Authority has officially declared a Drought Watch for its service area in Charlottesville and Albemarle County including the communities of Crozet and Scottsville. This is the first level of advisory, designed to increase monitoring and heighten public awareness.

A Drought Watch is an early stage of drought response that encourages voluntary water conservation before mandatory restrictions become necessary. It signals that local water supplies are under increased pressure, but mandatory restrictions are not yet necessary. By conserving water now, residents and businesses can preserve reservoir levels and prevent more restrictive measures later. 

“During a drought watch we all need to take steps to preserve our water supply,” said ACSA Executive Director Quin Lunsford. “We encourage the community to conserve as much water as possible. Every drop counts, and each individual’s small conservation efforts combine to produce big results.”

Small changes by residents and businesses can make a meaningful difference in protecting the shared water supply.

 Outdoors 

• Water lawns, gardens and landscaping only when needed, between 9 p.m. and 10 a.m. to minimize evaporation. 
• Use a watering can or a hose equipped with an automatic shut-off nozzle.
• Delay washing driveways, patios and sidewalks.
• Consider postponing filling pools or other large outdoor water uses if they aren’t essential.

Indoors

• Fix leaking faucets, toilets and irrigation systems.
• Run dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads.
• Take shorter showers when possible.
• Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth or shaving.

By conserving water now, residents and businesses can help preserve reservoir levels and help reduce the need for more restrictive measures later.

The Albemarle County Service Authority will continue to monitor conditions as they evolve and will issue immediate notification to the public if a new drought stage is declared. 

For more information about the drought watch, please call customer service at 434-977-4511.