#United States #Alexandria #water conservation #Virginia American Water #Drought Conditions

Virginia American Water Rallies for Community Water Conservation

In light of the unprecedented drought conditions affecting a significant portion of Virginia, Virginia American Water has made an urgent appeal to its residential customers. The company is encouraging voluntary reduction in water consumption as advised by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). With the U.S. Drought Monitor reporting alarming levels of drought across the state, all service areas under Virginia American Water are facing restrictions on water usage.

Charles Piekanski, the Vice President of Virginia American Water, expressed concern about the continuing lack of rainfall combined with the heightened demand for water during the scorching summer months. He stated, “The reduced levels of source water directly impact our operations, and we are urging our residents to practice caution and avoid any non-essential water use during this critical period. If we all contribute to this effort, we can potentially mitigate the need for stricter regulations.”

The call for conservation measures specifically targets residential customers and is not extended to businesses or industrial activities, emphasizing that these actions are meant purely for non-essential usage during the current drought crisis.

Simple Steps for Water Conservation

According to Piankski, small adjustments in daily routines can significantly impact overall water usage. Here are some recommended conservation strategies:

Outdoor Water Use:

1. Optimize Lawn and Garden Watering: Water your outdoor spaces on alternating days and prefer early morning or late evening to minimize evaporation losses.
2. Cease Operation of Ornamental Fountains: Temporarily turn off decorative water features to conserve resources.
3. Limit Vehicle and Surface Washing: Postpone washing cars, boats, and paved areas to conserve water.
4. Restrict Pool Maintenance: Avoid filling or topping off swimming pools unless absolutely necessary.

Indoor Water Use:

1. Run Appliances Efficiently: Use dishwashers and washing machines only when they are full, and if available, select the water-saver cycle.
2. Leak Detection: Regularly inspect household plumbing for leaks and repair them promptly, aided by the free leak detection resources available on the Virginia American Water website.
3. Install Water-Saving Devices: Equip your home with water-efficient showerheads, toilets, and faucet aerators.
4. Upgrade Appliances: Consider investing in water and energy-efficient appliances certified with the WaterSense label, guaranteeing at least a 20% improvement in efficiency without sacrificing performance.
5. Turn Off Taps: Remind family members to turn off the faucet while brushing teeth or washing dishes, which can save a significant amount of water over time.

By sharing information and resources, Virginia American Water aims for its community to adopt these conservation strategies comprehensively. For more detailed water-saving tips, residents are encouraged to visit Virginia American Water’s website and become engaged in wise water use practices.

About Virginia American Water

Virginia American Water, a division of American Water, operates as the leading water utility in the Commonwealth, servicing roughly 384,000 residents with safe and dependable water and wastewater services. American Water, founded in 1886, is recognized as the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States, with a commitment to sustainability and efficiency. For continued updates and community engagement, follow Virginia American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X.