Mandatory Water Restrictions

Loudoun County now has mandatory water restrictions in effect. Lansdowne...and Out in the Open had the story first.

Under this Ordinance, use of the LCSA central service water supply for any of the following purposes is prohibited until further notice:

(1) Watering of shrubbery, trees, lawns, grass, plants or any other vegetation, except from a watering can or other container not exceeding three gallons in capacity, excluding plant nurseries, golf course greens and commercial agricultural activities. Any new grass, sod or vegetation planted since September 1, 2007 may be watered on an odd-even schedule. The over-seeding of existing turf does not qualify for this exemption.

(2) Washing of automobiles, trucks, trailers or other mobile equipment, except from a bucket or other container not exceeding three gallons in capacity. Use of a commercial car wash facility is allowed.

(3) Washing of streets, driveways, parking lots, service station aprons, the exterior of commercial or residential buildings or any other outdoor surfaces, except from a bucket or other container not exceeding three gallons in capacity, unless such washing is required to eliminate a hazard;

(4) Operation of any ornamental fountain or other structure making similar use of water;

(5) Filling of swimming and/or wading pools, from an empty or less than three-quarters full condition, except for home wading pools requiring not more than five gallons of water;

(6) Service of drinking water in restaurants, except upon request;
...
Violating these restrictions is a Class III misdemeanor and carries a $500 fine for each instance. Repeat violators may have their water service shut off for a period of up to five (5) days, under the County Administrator’s discretion. To report a violation, email drought@lcsa.org or call 571-291-7870, and provide a street address, time and date of the violation. All messages received by LCSA will be reported to the County Sheriff for action. LCSA’s Community Systems customers are not subject to these restrictions. - From the LCSA Press Release

Five days without water is a pretty strong penalty for violations of this ordinance, but given the damage repeat offenders can do to our water supply, it is entirely appropriate. Please comply with these restrictions, it is for the good of us all.