Rain, rain ... come back? Despite last week's heavy rainfall, Gov. Tim Kaine released a statement Tuesday asking for voluntary water conservation and drought contingency plan updates throughout Virginia.
Kaine spokesperson Gordon Hickey said while the recent precipitation has helped to ease the drought there is still a pressing need for water conservation.
"Generally, people should do everything they can to conserve water, because the long-term weather forecast continues to show little or no relief," Hickey said.
Kaine recommends that residents take quick showers, turn water off when brushing teeth and do only full loads of laundry and dishes.
As of now, most localities throughout Virginia are experiencing rainfall deficiencies of 7 to 20 inches, according to John Campbell, director of public information at the Virginia Department of Forestry. He added that those in the southern part of the state are suffering the most.
"Beyond the leaves and topsoil getting wet, everything is the same as it was before [last week's rainfall]," Campbell said.
As an additional precaution, the governor's burn ban that he declared in mid-October remains in effect due to the significant threat of wildfires.
According to Campbell, the drought conditions in Virginia are the same or worse than those in California. He noted that there have been at least 85 fires since Kaine released the burn ban Oct. 15.
"One little spark in this kind of condition can start a fire," Campbell said, emphasizing that Virginians "are putting yours and others' lives in danger" if they start open fires outside.
The ban prohibits outdoor wood, coal and charcoal fires. Citizens are permitted, however, to use propane grills outside, as these do not promote sparking.
The University community will soon be seeing the effects of the recent burn ban.
"Because of the burn ban, there are no fireworks allowed on campus," University Fire Marshal Peter Randolph said, noting that there will be no University sponsored fireworks at the football game this weekend.
So, when will the Commonwealth finally be able to drop its drought status?
Campbell said the Commonwealth will need to see rain similar to that of last week every four or five days before its precipitation levels can return to normal.
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