Water levels rise as demand drops

STAFFORD — Residents are using less water than they did just one year ago.

February marked the end of a five-month mandatory water restriction that limited outdoor watering in neighborhoods throughout the county.

Record springtime rains that helped to refill both Abel and Smith lakes, the source of Stafford’s drinking water, and a drop in water demand have left county officials optimistic.

“Overall, we’re in better shape than we were last year at this time; however, we still strongly encourage everyone to continue to use water wisely, especially when it comes to watering outdoors,” said Cathy Riddle, public information manager for Stafford County.

Though both lakes are less than two inches away from being considered completely full, demand for water has decreased by 24 percent during the month of June to just 10.1 million gallons per day.

The decrease in usage has become a trend, according to figures released by the county, noting that water usage was also down considerably during the months of April and May.

Last year at this time water levels were down by 8.5 inches at Abel Lake, and by more than 32 at Smith Lake, prompting officials to consider limiting outdoor watering and car washing.

“The drought is over,” said Jim Decarufel, a forecaster with the National Weather Service.

Decarufel said the dry period that began in January 2007 affected many areas throughout the Commonwealth, especially in southwest Virginia. Due to thelarge amount of rain Northern Virginia has received, water problems are not on the horizon.

“It’s possible that we could run into a dry spell, but there are no immediate signs of one right now,” said Decarufel.

The water flow in Aquia Creek, the tributary that feeds Smith Lake, has increased over the past year. Water flow in the creek is estimated at 3.3 million gallons per day, compared with just 2.6 during the same time last year.

Forecasters at the weather service say the spring storms were not the main cause for the additional water build-up, but a string of wet months over the course of the year helped the lakes return to normal.

During a May 11 rainstorm, the Kellogg Mill Road bridge that runs over Abel Lake was closed when more than four inches of rain caused the reservoir to swell its banks.

After the bridge reopened Riddle announced the lake was full.

An abundance of rain during the spring and summertime months usually means a bright and colorful fall, according to local weather experts. When asked about what to expect when the season changes, Decarufel said: “It’s still June. Talk to me in August.”