Mandatory water restrictions recommended to counties | News

CHESTERFIELD, VA (WWBT)- Low levels in a major local water sources could mean mandatory water restrictions by the end of next week! Those restrictions would affect thousands of homes in five localities, including Chesterfield and Petersburg. The board which oversees Lake Chesdin voted unanimously Thursday to ask for strict conservation measures. 

The Executive Director of the Appomattox River Water Authority says that mandatory water restrictions will take effect next Thursday for the five localities the authority serves. The board wants the restrictions soon, because lake levels are low, and are only getting worse. 

Water low - says signs near a Lake Chesdin dock. And the water is low, by more than four feet. The Appomattox River Authority says that level will only decrease. So, the Authority says it will move forward with mandatory water restrictions.  

The executive directors say Chesterfield, Colonial Heights, Petersburg, Dinwiddie and Prince George will put the restrictions in place next Thursday. 

"We want people to know that this is a very unusual drought. And then we need the citizens to be smart in how they're using water," said Chesterfield County Administrator Jay Stegmaier. 

The Department of Environmental Quality moved Lake Chesdin from a drought watch to a drought warning. The lake seeing 2010 levels - when the reservoir was in danger of drying up completely. As for area residents, they welcome the restrictions. 

"They should have done it sooner then what they're putting in place next week," said Chesterfield resident Martin Deal. 

And that's the sentiment many shared at the meeting. Residents want the restrictions, because they don't want to see this precious resource dry up.  

As for what's next - each locality will advertise the water restrictions and make sure everyone knows what they need to do. Don't follow the restrictions and you could be fined.

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