Severe Weather Updates

Water Conservation and Resources

For up-to-date information about the Department of Public Utilities' water management plans, visit go.rva.gov/droughtwatch. 

Residents across the Commonwealth have been urged by Governor Spanberger to conserve water in response to historic drought conditions. The City of Richmond and our regional partners are implementing voluntary water conservation measures beginning July 1, 2026, in accordance with the James River Flow Management Plan. 

During periods of voluntary water conservation, residents in the City of Richmond and surrounding counties are asked to voluntarily reduce water usage. While full reductions are listed below, the majority of our residents will be most impacted by the following lawn watering schedule:  

Mondays: No watering  

Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays: Odd property addresses may water  

Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays: Even property addresses may water  

Full list of conservation measures

1. Fountains: Run fountains only between 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. Fountains may run at any time on two days each week chosen by the owner or operator. 
2. Paved areas: Wash driveways, sidewalks, and other paved areas on any two days each week only if needed. Washing for health or safety reasons is always allowed. 
3. Swimming pools: Fill or add water to swimming pools only as needed to keep them safe and clean. 
4. Vegetable gardens and lawns: Water vegetable gardens only between 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. Lawns may be watered at any time on two days each week. Watering with a bucket is allowed at any time.  
5. Vehicle washing: Wash vehicles on any two days each week using a handheld hose with an automatic shutoff nozzle. Commercial mobile vehicle washing businesses are exempt. 
6. Restaurants: There are no water use restrictions for restaurants. 
7. New landscaping: Newly planted trees, shrubs, flowers, and grass may be watered at any time during the first 10 days after planting. After the first 10 days, follow the lawn watering schedule above.  
8. Golf courses: Water golf courses only between 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. Golf course greens may be watered at any time. 

These are the measures listed by name in the voluntary conservation measures. We can all support this effort by practicing good water conservation habits, like using dishwashers and washers only when you have a full load to clean or checking your home for water leaks. Explore a longer list of conservation practices and add a few to your daily routine. 

Staying Safe during Extreme Heat

As temperatures climb and remain high over the summer months, stay connected to these resources to keep yourselves and your loved ones safe: 

• Learn about heat-related illnesses and how to respond to them. 
• Connect with City resources for staying cool and seeking cooling relief (including schedules for public pools and libraries).

Additional Resources and Contact Information

  To report power outages, downed power lines or damaged electrical equipment, contact Dominion Energy at 1-866-366-4357.

  Sign up for Richmond Ready Alerts to receive critical emergency and weather notifications from the city of Richmond. Text RVAREADY to 888-777 to receive a sign-up link or visit rva.gov/richmondreadyalerts to learn more.