FACTORS LEADING TO WATER CONSERVATION DECLARATION
The Town of Middleburg has declared Voluntary Water Conservation measures to be in effect for all users of the Town of Middleburg municipal water system. This declaration is due to recent weather patterns, as Loudoun County is once again categorized as being in a moderate drought and there is no measurable precipitation in the forecast for an extended period of time.
Additionally, one of the Town’s primary wells – Well 4 – has recently shown an unexpected decrease in water levels during pumping operations. The Town conducted a rehabilitation of this well in late June, which improved performance and allowed the Town to lower the well pump by 150 feet. Recent measurements have shown that the water level now drops to only 50 feet above the pump, which is the lowest level that the Town has ever recorded in this well.
WATER CONSERVATION PRACTICES
Voluntary Water Conservation means that the Town strongly encourages customers of the system to take steps to reduce water consumption and to implement conservation practices. Examples include:
- Limit outdoor use of water to only between the hours of 6pm and 9am, to include watering of landscaping and washing of vehicles or outdoor surfaces;
- Reduce usage of irrigation or sprinkler systems, and limit outdoor watering to handheld operations;
- Limit use of ornamental water features, unless using recycled water; and
- Implement conservation practices in your homes and businesses, such as taking shorter showers, turning off faucets during normal tasks, and limiting water served to customers except upon request.
The Town continues to monitor the level of its wells and its ongoing water supply, as well as drought indicators from official sources. Should the Town continue to experience operational concerns or see a further decrease in water levels, the Town may implement Mandatory Water Conservation measures.
MORE INFORMATION
The most up-to-date information can be found on the Town’s website at www.middleburgva.gov or by calling the Town Hall at 540-687-5152. The staff report and Council discussion are available at this link (Item XI.A).
The Town's latest Water Conservation ordinance is available to review here (navigate to section 113-8.1 for "Water Conservation").
For drought indicators, visit the National Integrated Drought Information System or the Virginina Dept. of Environmental Quality.