STAUNTON, VA (Rocktown Now) — The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality has issued a drought warning advisory for the Shenandoah Drought Evaluation Region, which includes the City of Staunton. A drought warning advisory is intended to increase awareness that the onset of a significant drought event is imminent.

City of Staunton Public Works continues weekly checks to monitor the Staunton Dam. As of the most recent check on Friday, Jan. 9, dam levels were in good condition and water was still flowing. Locally, however, groundwater levels remain low.

According to a release, by taking a few simple steps, residents can reduce the amount of water they use and pay for. 

Here are a few ways residential users can reduce water consumption:

  1. Check toilets for leaks. A leaking toilet can waste over 100 gallons each day.
  2. Take shorter showers. Just 90 seconds less each day can save hundreds of gallons a month.
  3. Don’t use the toilet as a wastebasket. Don’t waste an entire flush to dispose of a tissue.
  4. Turn off the water while brushing teeth or shaving.
  5. Only run dishwashers and washing machines when they are full.
  6. Rinse fruits and vegetables in a bowl of clean water instead of under a running faucet.

Commercial users can reduce water consumption by:

  1. Implementing an interior retrofit for all high-water-use faucets and fixtures.
  2. Restricting washing of sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, or any other paved surface, except in the case of meeting health and safety standards.
  3. Prohibiting operations of fountains at commercial sites.