A regional drought watch that has been in effect across the D.C. area since July 2024 has officially been lifted.
The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments announced the decision today, citing improved water supplies thanks to late spring rains and — for awhile, at least — cooler temperatures. The region has returned to the normal stage of the Regional Water Supply and Drought Awareness Response Plan, COG said.
While the drought watch lasted nearly a full year, officials noted that such extended dry periods are relatively rare in the region. The previous drought watch occurred 15 years ago in 2010 and lasted only one month.
The full press release is below.
The Drought Coordination Committee of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) has lifted the regional Drought Watch put into effect on July 29, 2024, which means the region has returned to the normal stage of the Regional Water Supply and Drought Awareness Response Plan. The late spring rains and cooler temperatures contributed to improved water supplies.
While this Drought Watch lasted nearly a year, officials note droughts are infrequent due to the region’s investments in drought resilience and the public’s contributions to conserving water. The last Drought Watch occurred 15 years ago, in 2010, and lasted only a month.
Almost six million residents across metropolitan Washington are affected by regional Drought Watches, making collaboration among government officials, water utilities, residents, and businesses essential.
Extreme weather, like the significant lack of rainfall over the past year, points to the need for continued future investments in drought resilience. These conditions underscore the importance of a regional water supply study currently underway, which COG and regional partners initiated with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers last year.
“As extreme weather conditions become more frequent, water resilience must remain a priority,” said Clark Mercer, COG’s Executive Director. “It’s an ongoing investment in our region’s future growth and development.”
COG encourages citizens to use water wisely all year long. A detailed list of tips for wise water use can be found at mwcog.org/wisewater.
Wise Water Use Tips
- Residents can limit outdoor and indoor water use with these tips:
- Wash full loads of dishes and clothes.
- Water lawns, plants and shrubs watchfully;
- Sweep sidewalks and driveways instead of using a hose;
- Use a commercial car wash that recycles water;
- Fix plumbing leaks – especially toilets and faucets.
