Despite recent rain, drought continues to threaten Virginia's private wells
Despite greener lawns and wetter soils, Virginia's groundwater remains well below normal, leaving many private well owners vulnerable as drought conditions persist.
Many parts of Virginia received much-needed rain after weeks of below-average precipitation, but much of the commonwealth remains inches behind average rainfall. For the 1 in 5 Virginians who rely on private wells, groundwater remains a major concern.
“Recent conversations with community members and service providers indicate a moderate increase in the number of private wells running dry,” said Erin Ling, Virginia Cooperative Extension specialist and coordinator of the Virginia Household Water Quality Program. “Groundwater levels remain below normal in many parts of the commonwealth. While some seasonal variation is expected, the ongoing drought can have significant impact on private wells.”
According to the July 28 Virginia Drought Monitoring Taskforce report, more than two-thirds of the commonwealth is still experiencing a moderate to extreme drought.
Groundwater responds much more slowly to rainfall than streams and soils. It is typically replenished, or recharged, through the winter and spring as rain and snowmelt soak into the ground. Groundwater levels usually begin to decline in May, reaching their lowest point in late September or October.
“During the summer growing season, most rainfall evaporates, runs off, or is quickly taken up by trees and plants and does not recharge the groundwater,” Ling said. “Well owners, especially those with shallow wells, likely will not see significant improvement in groundwater levels until winter precipitation arrives.”
Sputtering faucets or low water pressure may indicate groundwater has dropped below the level of a submersible well pump. Sometimes the decline is temporary, occurring when large amounts of water are drawn from the well during activities such as showering or laundry.
Ling suggests that Virginians who rely on private wells and public water systems alike conserve water by following these tips:
- Water lawns and gardens on alternating days between dusk and dawn
- Turn off decorative and ornamental fountains
- Spread out loads of laundry and dishes
- Address leaks
- Limit washing vehicles, driveways, and sidewalks
- Limit or avoid filling swimming pools
“If you think your well is impacted by drought and begins to run dry, please contact a licensed well water systems provider,” Ling said. “Do not attempt to make your own adjustment to well pumps. There are significant injury hazards, including electrical shock and loss of limbs.”
Ending the drought will require sustained above-normal rainfall to recharge groundwater and restore streams and rivers across much of the commonwealth.
About Ling
Erin Ling is a senior Extension specialist in the Department of Biological Systems Engineering at Virginia Tech. She coordinates the Virginia Household Water Quality Program, a statewide Extension program that provides affordable water testing and education to the 1.6 million Virginians who rely on wells, springs or cisterns for their household drinking water.
Media Availability
To schedule an interview with Erin Ling, email mediarelations@vt.edu.
