05/21/2026
We have rain coming in but let’s all be diligent in conserving.
RESOLUTION DECLARING A STAGE 1: DROUGHT WATCH FOR PATRICK COUNTY
WHEREAS, Patrick County has experienced prolonged climatic, hydrological, and extraordinary weather conditions that have impacted regional water supplies; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 1 of THE DROUGHT AND WATER EMERGENCIES ORDINANCE, the County Administrator is granted the authority to declare a water emergency in the County to protect the public health, safety, and welfare of the residents of Patrick County; and
WHEREAS, the County Administrator has evaluated pertinent data, including streamflow conditions, water levels, available/usable storage on hand, drawdown rates, and projected supply capabilities, and has worked closely with the Patrick County Public Service Authority to designate the appropriate stage of water emergency; and
WHEREAS, it has been determined that moderate but limited supplies of water are currently available, satisfying the criteria for a Drought Watch as defined in the Patrick County Drought Response and Contingency Plan;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the County Administrator of Patrick County, Virginia, that a Drought Watch is hereby declared effective immediately for all areas of Patrick County.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that in accordance with the Drought and Water Emergencies Ordinance, the following directives and public guidelines are implemented:
SECTION 1: PUBLIC OUTREACH & VOLUNTARY RESTRAINT
The general population is called upon to employ prudent restraint in water usage. An active public outreach campaign shall be initiated immediately to inform residents, businesses, and institutions of the potential for drought conditions to intensify and to promote effective conservation strategies.
SECTION 2: ADHERENCE TO SUBSEQUENT WARNING STAGES
While a Drought Watch initiates public outreach, all citizens are strongly encouraged to familiarize themselves with and voluntarily adopt the standard conservation measures outlined in the County’s Drought Warning guidelines to mitigate further strain on the water supply:
Inspecting and repairing all faulty and defective parts of faucets and toilets.
Shifting to showers instead of bathtubs and limiting showers to no more than five minutes.
Turning off faucets while shaving, rinsing dishes, or brushing teeth.
Limiting the use of clothes washers and dishwashers to full loads only.
Limiting lawn and shrubbery watering to the absolute minimum necessary for plant survival.
Restricting vehicle washing and eliminating the wash-down of outdoor surfaces (sidewalks, patios, driveways).
Delaying new landscape work and practicing conservation protocols during all phases of construction activities.
Commercial Target: All industrial, manufacturing, and commercial enterprises are requested to reduce water consumption to any degree feasible, with an immediate target goal of a 10% reduction.
SECTION 3: LIMITATION OF RESTRICTIONS
Pursuant to Section 4 of the Ordinance, the provisions or future escalations of this declaration shall not apply to any governmental activity, institution, business, or industry declared by the County Administrator to be necessary for the public health, safety, and welfare, or for the prevention of severe economic hardship or substantial loss of employment.
SECTION 4: STATUTORY PUBLICATION OF DECLARATION
The County Administrator shall immediately post a written notice of this emergency declaration at the front door of the County Administration Building and place an official notice in a newspaper of general circulation within the affected area.
SECTION 5: DURATION & TERMINATION
This Drought Watch shall remain in effect until climatic conditions improve and the County Administrator, following discussions with the Patrick County Public Service Authority, determines the shortage no longer exists and obtains the concurrence of the Patrick County Board of Supervisors to formally declare the emergency over.
ENTERED AND ORDERED THIS DAY: May 21, 2026.
Michael McGuinness
County Administrator
