According to the most recent U.S. drought monitor for the Potomac Watershed on July 2, areas in Northern Virginia entered D2, a severe drought. More heat, with little chance of rain, is predicted through this week.
On Monday, July 8, the Potomac River flow at Point of Rocks dropped below 2,000 cubic feet per second. When a low-flow level below 2,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) occurs, CO-OP (the Cooperative Water Supply Operations on the Potomac) begins daily monitoring and reporting of Potomac flows and withdrawals on behalf of its providers, Fairfax Water, Washington Aqueduct, and WSSC Water, following the 1982 Water Supply Coordination Agreement. Local reservoirs remain full.
According to the CO-OP Data Portal “coordinates withdrawals from the Potomac River and off-river reservoirs and recommends releases from upstream reservoirs when forecasted flow in the river is not sufficient to meet expected needs,” reports CO-OP.
The Metro Washington Council of Governments (COG) issued its June 2024 Regional Drought and Water Supply Outlook, which includes the U.S. Drought Monitor, streamflow, groundwater, and monthly precipitation. The report is available to download. COG will continue closely monitoring conditions and convene the Drought Coordination Technical Committee as needed.