08/04/2026
PLEASE READ AND SHARE
As of August 4, 2026 Water customers of the Bath County Service Authority are under MANDATORY WATER CONSERVATION
Drought Contingency Plan
The Bath County Service Authority Drought Contingency Plan is based on the severity of the drought and guidelines for necessary restriction of water usage for each water system. However, it is probable if one system is experiencing drought conditions all systems will be experiencing drought conditions.
The Administrator of the Bath County Service Authority is authorized to issue one of the following water restriction notices to Bath County Service Authority water customers as necessitated by the guidelines established by the Authority.
Step 1 – Voluntary Water Conservation
Step 2 – Mandatory Water Restriction
Step 3 – Emergency Water Restriction
Step 1 – Voluntary Water Conservation
The Bath County Service Authority will determine if the drought or other available water conditions are severe enough to issue Step 1 water notices. Under Step 1, customers will be asked to voluntarily reduce their normal and routine indoor and outdoor water consumption. If conditions worsen, mandatory restrictions may be enacted.
Step 1 – Customer action procedures include the following:
1. Customers will be asked to reduce outdoor water use by:
a. Watering gardens, flowers, shrubs or lawns between the hours of 8:00 pm and 9:00 am.
b. Reduce the amount of water usage by fifty percent (50%).
c. Use a broom or leaf blower to clean sidewalks, decks and driveways.
d. Discontinue private vehicle washing.
e. Disconnect ornamental fountains.
f. Use a bucket instead of a hose to water greenery.
2. Customers will be asked to reduce water indoor use by:
a. Identify and repair all leaks.
b. Reduce shower time by five (5) minutes and use less bath water.
c. Use full loads when using dishwashers and washing machines.
d. Store water in containers in refrigerator instead of running faucets to cool the water.
e. Reduce toilet flushing times by only flushing when necessary.
f. Install water saver devices.
g. Turn off water while brushing teeth.
h. Postpone carpet cleaning.
Bath County Service Authority reserves the right to modify this plan as conditions change.
Step 2 – Mandatory Water Restriction Action Steps
If and when conditions worsen, the Administrator may initiate Step 2, whereby customers are required to reduce their water use. In addition to Step 1 measures the following water restriction will be initiated.
• Customers will be allowed to water greenery once per week between the hours of 8:00 pm and 9:00 am.
• Washing vehicles is prohibited except for commercial businesses.
• Washing sidewalks, decks, homes and driveways will be prohibited.
• Operation of any ornamental fountains or similar structure is prohibited.
• Swimming pools may be supplemented after 8:00 pm.
• Restaurants and similar establishments will be prohibited from serving water unless specifically requested by a customer.
• Flow testing or fire hydrant testing or Fire Department training will be prohibited.
• Customer leaks will be repaired immediately (36 hours) or the Authority will disconnect the water meter.
Customers who do not abide by these mandatory restrictions will be subject to a warning letter for first offense; a water usage penalty of fifty dollars ($50.00) for the second offense; a water usage penalty of one hundred dollars ($100.00) for the third offense. Subsequent violation after the third offense will be subject to water service termination and reconnection fee’s when service is reinstated.
Bath County Service Authority reserves the right to modify these plans as conditions warrant.
Step 3 – Emergency Water Restriction Action Steps
During the continued existence of extraordinary drought or other severe water conditions, the Administrator may initiate Step 3, whereby certain water usages not essential to public health, safety and welfare are curtailed. In addition to Step 1 and Step 2 voluntary and mandatory restrictions, the following emergency restrictions will be in effect.
• Any and all water uses not required for health or safety will be prohibited.
• Watering outdoor greenery will be prohibited.
• Any person or business engaged in the sale of greenery may irrigate only in amounts necessary to prevent loss of inventory.
• Filling or refilling of swimming pools is prohibited.
• All metered Bath County Service Authority customers who exceed their previous twelve (12) month-per month average will be charged for their metered flow plus two times the base minimum per month fee.
• If the drought continues to the second month and a customer still exceeds their average per month usage the Authority may terminate their water meter and reconnection fees will be charged to reconnect.
Bath County Service Authority reserves the right to modify this plan as conditions change. If you have any questions about the Bath County Service Authority Drought Conservation Plan please call the Bath County Service Authority office at 540-839-7251.
