By Alexis Taylor
AFRO Managing Editor
Residents in the D.C. area are now under a drought watch, according to an alert issued by the Drought Coordination Committee of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG).
The notice came on July 29, and will impact nearly roughly six million people.
(Credit: Unsplash / PAN XIAOZHEN)
Residents are asked to take a variety of measures to cut down water usage, including reducing showers to five minutes, using garbage disposals as little as possible and holding off on watering lawns and plants unless absolutely necessary.
Officials say they are following the regional drought response plan by initiating the drought watch. Even though COG officials say there is currently “an adequate supply of water in the Potomac River and back-up reservoirs,” DC Water representatives report the water levels are low enough to cause concern.
At this point in time, COG says “implementing voluntary water conservation practices across the region will help complement measures already in place and reduce water demand and environmental needs of the river.”
While residents should be on alert, they should not panic.
“A drought watch is the level in the plan before drought warning, when additional water restrictions are requested and could become mandatory should conditions worsen,” reports the COG.
DC Water notes that “a drought watch is the second stage in a four-part drought awareness plan…the next step, drought warning, calls for additional water restrictions that could be made mandatory should conditions reach a drought emergency.”
David Gadis, CEO of DC Water, said in a statement that “voluntary conservation measures, no matter how small, will go a long way in our efforts to ensure we can continue to provide this critical resource to the homes and businesses we serve.”
Residents are encouraged to turn off their water while brushing their teeth, address leaky faucets and only wash full loads of clothes to do their part during the drought watch.
Landscapers should use mulch in their yards to conserve moisture and plants should be watered in the morning hours to hold off evaporation that takes place quicker during hotter times of the day.
According to information released by DC Water, “the Potomac River is the main source of water for much of the region, including DC Water customers. Despite recent rainfall, the drought risk remains with hot, dry conditions expected to persist.”
Earlier this month, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recorded multiple days of high heat. On July 14, a high of 101 degrees fahrenheit was recorded, followed by 102 degrees on July 15 and 104 degree temperatures on July 16.
The drought watch went into effect just days before D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser declared a heat emergency on July 31 and reminded District residents that there are cooling centers throughout the city. The centers are located at a total of 31 recreation centers and 26 libraries. Residents can get a free ride to a cooling center if they are in need of transportation by calling 311.
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