Groundwater levels in the central Shenandoah Valley have dropped another 4 feet over the past 30 days and are now at the third-lowest level in 10 years. The U.S. Geological Survey reports that the test well located in eastern Rockingham County currently (November 25) shows the water table at 83 feet below the surface. In late October, the level was measured at 79 feet.

Rivers and streams in the region have dropped below seasonal averages. On Tuesday, November 25, Linville Creek at Broadway was running at less than 10% of its historical rate for that day in history. The South Fork of the Shenandoah River near Strasburg was flowing at less than 24% of normal. Kerrs Creek near Lexington was also running at “much below normal” levels, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Many farmers in Rockingham and surrounding counties reported stress on corn and soybeans in late summer and early fall. Due to excellent rainfall during the summer months, however, the USDA is still forecasting record-high yields for corn in Virginia.

Statewide perspective on water resources

Virginia’s State Water Resources Plan, released in October 2015, warned of significant challenges ahead for managing the Commonwealth’s water supplies. The plan projected that mean daily demand could rise by 32 percent by 2040, requiring an additional 450 million gallons per day to meet needs.

Officials said the findings highlight the urgency of conservation, infrastructure investment, and regional cooperation to protect rivers, reservoirs, and groundwater. Without action, growing demand from households, agriculture, and industry could strain supplies already vulnerable to climate variability and population growth.

The state report to the General Assembly can be found here: https://rga.lis.virginia.gov/Published/2018/RD347