Washington, DC (June 3, 2026) – A Drought Watch was put into effect today by the Drought Coordination Committee of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) following unusually dry conditions that are expected to persist despite recent rainfall. The regional Drought Watch applies to nearly six million residents across the District of Columbia, suburban Maryland, and Northern Virginia.
Officials stress that while there is currently an adequate supply of water in the Potomac River and backup reservoirs, residents and businesses are encouraged to practice wise water use by taking simple, voluntary steps to reduce water use and help protect the region’s water resources if dry conditions persist.
Here are some simple tips
residents can use to limit indoor and outdoor water use:
INDOOR
- Reduce shower length to under 5 minutes;
- Turn off water while brushing your teeth/shaving;
- Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes; and
- Fix any plumbing leaks – especially toilets and
faucets.
OUTDOOR
- Monitor watering lawns, plants, and shrubs;
- Sweep sidewalks and driveways (instead of using a
hose); and
- Avoid washing your car or instead use a commercial car
wash that recycles water.
The region’s last Drought Watch
occurred between July 2024 to June 2025. This year, from March to April, the
region experienced record-breaking high temperatures along with some periods of
historically low streamflow levels. The Potomac River reached its lowest level
during this time period, based on 130 years of data. In addition, the two-year
precipitation deficit is almost 8 inches.
“Our region hasn’t seen extremely
dry conditions like this in about two decades when local leaders and COG first
established a drought response plan to support coordination and communication
regionwide,” said Clark Mercer, COG Executive Director. “During the Drought
Watch, we’re asking the public to help by incorporating simple, water-saving
actions into their daily routines.”
“Due to years of planning and
preparation, our water supply infrastructure is well-equipped to handle
drought. Nevertheless, it makes sense for all of us to use water wisely to
conserve this precious resource,” stated Michael Nardolilli, the executive director
of the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin (ICPRB). The ICPRB is
monitoring the Potomac River flow daily and working with several federal
agencies, regional partners, and area water suppliers to assess the situation
in real time. The Potomac River supplies 78 percent of the drinking water for
the region.
“We’re working closely with our
regional partners to actively monitor conditions and protect our shared water
resources,” said WSSC Water General Manager and CEO Kishia L. Powell. “While
our water supply remains stable, now is a great time for all of us to practice
wise water use. By making simple, voluntary changes in daily routines, our
customers can save water and money.”
“The Washington Aqueduct stands
fully ready and prepared to meet the operational demands of our region during
these drought conditions,” said Washington Aqueduct General Manager Rudy Chow.
“However, managing our shared water resources is a collective responsibility.
We rely on the community’s awareness and voluntary actions to ensure long-term
water resiliency for everyone.”
“While our region has an adequate
water supply to meet demands, the public can make a difference during these dry
spells by using water wisely,” said Fairfax Water General Manager Jamie Bain
Hedges.
JURISDICTIONS IN THE COG DROUGHT
WATCH:
District of Columbia
Suburban Maryland
Town of Bladensburg; City of
Bowie; City of College Park; Charles County; City of Frederick; Frederick
County; City of Gaithersburg; City of Greenbelt; City of Hyattsville; City of
Laurel; Montgomery County; Prince George's County; City of Rockville; City of
Takoma Park
Northern Virginia
City of Alexandria; Arlington
County; City of Fairfax; Fairfax County; City of Falls Church; Loudoun County;
City of Manassas; City of Manassas Park; Prince William County
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