Drought Watch in Effect for Metro DC Area, Including Fairfax City

Published on June 04, 2026

Residents and businesses encouraged to reduce water use to protect regional water resources

The Drought Coordination Committee of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) has issued a regional drought watch for the Metropolitan Washington area, including suburban Maryland and Northern Virginia, after an extended period of unusually dry weather.

Water supplies in the Potomac River and backup reservoirs are still sufficient, but officials are asking residents and businesses to voluntarily conserve water.

Consider these simple steps to reduce everyday water use to help protect the region’s water resources if dry conditions continue:

Indoor

• Reduce shower length to less than five minutes.
• Turn off the water while brushing your teeth or shaving.
• Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes.
• Fix plumbing leaks, especially toilets and faucets.

Outdoor

• Monitor watering lawns, plants, and shrubs.
• Sweep sidewalks and driveways instead of using a hose.
• Avoid washing your car at home; instead, use a commercial car wash that recycles water.

View more wise water use tips from COG.

Why a Drought Watch

This year, the region recorded record-high temperatures in March and April, along with periods of very low streamflow. The Potomac River dropped to its lowest level for this time of year in 130 years. The area is also nearly eight inches short on rainfall over the last two years. The last time a Drought Watch was in effect was from July 2024 to June 2025.

The region hasn’t had conditions this dry in about 20 years, which is when local leaders and COG first created a drought response plan to help coordinate efforts and keep everyone informed.

The Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin (ICPRB), which tracks Potomac River levels every day, reports that the region’s water system is strong enough to handle drought conditions, but officials still urge the public to use water wisely. The ICPRB works with federal agencies, regional partners, and local water utilities to monitor conditions in real time. The Potomac provides 78% of the region’s drinking water.

All regional water partners, including Fairfax Water (the city’s water utility), are actively monitoring conditions for their customers and remain fully ready and prepared to meet the operational demands of the region during these drought conditions. However, all encourage the public to practice wise water use and to maintain awareness of the situation.

Drought Levels Explained

A Drought Watch is an early advisory stage in the Regional Drought Response Plan, which has four response levels: Normal, Watch, Warning, and Emergency. View current drought conditions at COG website.

During a Drought Watch, officials encourage voluntary water conservation through wise water use.

During a Drought Warning, officials would encourage voluntary water restrictions. (The region has never reached this stage since the regional drought plan was created in 2000.)

At the highest level, Drought Emergency, local governments and utilities could put mandatory water-use limits in place and coordinate those actions across the region.