From the City of Richmond:

The City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities (DPU) along with the Counties of Henrico, Hanover and Goochland announced effective today the implementation of voluntary conservation measures. This declaration comes as a result of the recent dry weather pattern that has caused low water levels in the metropolitan areas main water source, the James River. Voluntary compliance will assist local governments in providing water to all customers in the region, while also meeting the requirements of the James River Regional Flow Management Plan. This plan calls for the implementation of voluntary conservation measures once water levels in the James River reach 1,200 cfs (cubic feet per second) or approximately 3 ½ or 3 ¾ feet of depth.

“By voluntarily conserving water, citizens can lessen the strain on one of our most precious natural resources and possibly prevent mandatory conservation measures from being implemented,” says DPU Director Chris Beschler.

Depending on individual usage amounts during voluntary conservation measures, City of Richmond DPU customers may also see a conservation rate surcharge on their utility bills. DPU’s water conservation rate went into effect July 1, 2008. During designated conservation periods customers who make the decision to use more than 140 percent of their normal winter water usage will pay a higher commodity rate on their excess usage. This is to encourage conservation-friendly behavior.

If significant rainfall eliminates the current low water level conditions, these voluntary water conservation measures will be lifted.

Some of the suggested conservation measures include:

Established Landscape & Gardens

New Landscape

Vegetable Gardens

Vehicle Washing (Commercial Businesses Exempt)