RICHMOND, Va. — If you live in Chesterfield, Henrico, Hanover, Richmond or eastern Goochland the Richmond Department of Public Utilities has a message for you –watch your water!
The department issued an alert Friday to let people know voluntary water conservation measures could be put in place in the next few days.
“An impending factor is the increased trigger levels that went into effect for state waterways on Nov. 1. The James River requires higher water levels in November to coincide with the normal start of the fall fish migratory season,” a Department of Public Utilities spokesman wrote in an email. “A ‘Ready Alert’ notification means that water levels have decreased to 1,800 cfs (cubic feet per second), and are being watched closely. It also means that voluntary conservation measures are probable.”
Those voluntary conservation measures kick in when the James River reaches 1,700 cfs.
Since September 1, Richmond’s rain level is 4.27 inches below normal. So far in 2014, it has rained 29.91 inches in Richmond. It rained 44.58 inches in 2013.
“As of Thursday, Nov. 13, 2014, the current 14-day average for the natural river flow level is 1,824 cfs,” the department said. “If voluntary conservation measures are implemented, they will be in effect through December.”
