HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) — Harrisonburg City Council adopted a resolution to declare a local emergency related to the recent and potential severe weather effects on the Harrisonburg Water Treatment Plant.

City Manager Ande Banks explained to council during a special meeting Friday afternoon that the declaration will open up additional resources if necessary.

“We feel that these measures are not necessary at this time.” Banks said. “We are not changing our messaging at this time to our residents. We are still in mandatory water restrictions. But this simply takes an action so that we can have access to additional resources if the time and situation calls for it.”

Vice Mayor Laura Dent reiterates that the water is safe to drink. It is just the more that residents can conserve, the more readily officials can bring the whole water treatment system back online.

For general water use in homes at this time, community members should take any available step to reduce non-essential water use, such as:

  • Avoid letting the water run while brushing your teeth, washing your face or shaving
  • Take short showers instead of baths
  • Avoid wasting water waiting for it to get hot
  • Avoid running the tap for a cold drink. Keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator.
  • Operate dishwashers and clothes washers only when they are fully loaded
  • Don’t water your lawn or garden
  • Take any other general conservation effort you can until otherwise informed

The water conservation efforts have also extended to Smith Creek and Lilly in Rockingham County, since those areas receive their water supply from the City of Harrisonburg.