ACCOMACK COUNTY, Va. — Accomack County remains under an extreme drought as state leaders encourage Virginians to take voluntary steps to conserve water during what officials describe as historic dry conditions.
The drought has raised concerns in coastal communities like Captains Cove, where neighbors say the lack of rain is becoming increasingly noticeable in daily life and water use.
John Baker, who lives in Captains Cove, says the conditions are not new to him, but still require caution.
“It seems that when we do get weather coming around us or weather conditions storms, they tend to go around us and we get hit pretty hard here with the drought,” Baker said.
He says one of his biggest concerns is how continued dry conditions could affect local well water supplies.
“Well water can be an issue because when the when the ground starts drying up, there's no water getting into the wells,” Baker told WBOC.
Others in the area, including Darel Brickey, say the drought is already affecting work and outdoor projects across the region.
“As far as the houses, when they're complete, we're not going to be able to power wash them and clean them like we should. So, you know, hopefully the water situation gets taken care of,” Brickey said.
State officials are urging Virginians to take voluntary conservation measures, including limiting lawn watering, reducing car washing, and holding off on filling swimming pools. They say the steps are intended to reduce strain on water systems as dry conditions persist.
Mary Back recently moved to Captains Cove and says she’s concerned about how the drought could affect everyday routines like gardening.
“I am concerned. You know, having everything die on you. But at the same time, we need water to drink and to wash ourselves,” Back said.
Back says restrictions on some water use may be reasonable, but worries about going too far.
“If some people water all day and have their lines making perfect, I can see doing away with that, but, not being able to water your flowers and stuff, I think it’s a little far unless...we're that desperate,” Back said.
Officials say voluntary conservation now could help avoid more serious water restrictions if conditions continue to worsen. No mandatory restrictions have been issued at this time.
