While much of the state has been in a drought for months, Hampton Roads has largely avoided issues from low precipitation.
The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality monitors drought conditions, and the Virginia Drought Monitoring Task Force issues any potential warnings and advisories. Precipitation alone does not make or break what areas receive an advisory, according to VDEQ; multiple factors such as streamflow and groundwater levels are used as well.
The most recent drought status report, released this month, found that rain from Hurricane Helene brought improvements in streamflow and soil to parts of Virginia under more severe drought conditions. Groundwater levels in most of the commonwealth remained low, the report stated.
“DEQ is working with local governments, public water works, and water users in the affected areas to ensure that conservation and drought response plans and ordinances are followed,” a release from the VDEQ reads. “All Virginians are encouraged to protect water supplies by minimizing water use, monitoring drought conditions and detecting and repairing leaks.”