Due to low rainfall across the state, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has issued a drought watch advisory for 50 counties and 23 cities. Stafford County is included in this advisory and asks residents to voluntarily conserve water and use best water conservation practices to help conserve this precious resource. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, this is Stafford's 25th driest November on record over the past 131 years. The county is 1.51 inches below normal in rainfall. It is also the 40th driest year on record. Stafford is down 3.36 inches from normal.

It is important to remember that a drought stage indicator other than "Normal" does not indicate that a drought has been declared! There are three drought stage declarations:

1. Drought Watch - Intended to increase awareness in the public and private sectors of climatic conditions that are likely to precede the occurrence of a significant drought event.
2. Drought Warning - The onset of a significant drought event is imminent. Recommended steps to help protect current water supplies
3. Drought Emergency - Mandatory water conservation requirements are required during the height of a very severe or extreme drought event.

DEQ offers tips for how residents can help conserve water. They include:

• Do not let the faucet run when brushing your teeth; instead, use a glass of water to rinse.
• Do not let the faucet run when rinsing vegetables; instead, use a pan of water or the sink.
• If pre-rinsing dishes, use the sink and do not let the faucet run.
• Repair leaky pipes and faucets. A slow, steady drip can waste 350 gallons of water per month. Not only does this wastewater increase your sewer bill, but it can also increase your energy costs if it is hot water.
• Repair leaky toilets. A leaky toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water per day.
• Run dishwashers only when full, using the water saver feature if available.
• Run washing machines only when complete and on the proper load size selection.
• Take shorter showers or a shower instead of a bath.
• Turn off faucets when not in use. Do not let the faucet run when shaving; instead, use rinse water in the sink.

While Stafford is expected to receive precipitation over the next two days, it is not expected to be enough to cancel the Drought Watch. Stafford County Will keep residents updated as conditions change."