Richmond, VA — Beginning Wednesday, July 1, 2026, the City of Richmond along with Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico and Powhatan counties are implementing voluntary water conservation measures. In accordance with Richmond’s James River Regional Flow Management Plan, when average water flows drop to 1,700 cfs (cubic feet per second) for 14 consecutive days, voluntary conservation measures are implemented. Voluntary compliance of area customers will assist water treatment plants in the City of Richmond, Chesterfield County and Henrico County in providing water to all customers in the region while also meeting the James River Regional 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 on the below website, the majority of residents are impacted by the following lawn watering schedule: 

•    Monday – No watering  
•    Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday – odd property addresses may water 
•    Wednesday, Friday and Sunday – even property addresses may water 

The full list of conservation measures can be found at: go.rva.gov/droughtwatch 

Although localities are asking customers to conserve, our ability remains intact to produce and deliver safe drinking water to meet necessary use and emergency requirements of our communities in the region. The city and its regional partners will continue to monitor river conditions and will evaluate lifting voluntary water conservation when conditions improve.  

The recent dry weather and lack of significant rainfall in areas west of Richmond have led to this call for voluntary water conservation in the metro Richmond area. The Richmond region is supplied water by the James River basin, the largest watershed in the state. Water levels locally are affected when there are dry conditions and lack of rainfall within the drainage basin. 

Though we are specifically talking about low river levels and flows, water conservation should be an everyday practice for all residents and businesses. Conserving water is an important tool in reducing water demand. Water conservation tips can be found here: vdh.virginia.gov/drinking-water/office-of-drinking-water/water-conservation-tips/ 

For additional information, specific to localities, contact: 
County of Chesterfield Customer Service  804-748-1271 
County of Goochland Public Utilities 804-556-5835  
County of Hanover Customer Service 804-365-6024 
County of Henrico Customer Service  804-501-4275 
County of Powhatan Public Works 804-598-5764  
City of Richmond   DPU Customer Care 804-646-4646

About the City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities
The City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities provides natural gas, water, wastewater, stormwater and streetlight services to more than 500,000 customers in the Richmond metropolitan area. DPU is committed to safety, reliability and innovation in delivering essential utility services that support the city’s residents, businesses and environment.