Virginia American Water Urges Customers to Reduce Nonessential Water Use in Response to Historic Drought Conditions

Calls for Voluntary Commonsense Water Reduction by Residential Customers

ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Virginia American Water is asking residential customers to voluntarily reduce their water consumption in response to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality's (DEQ) recent drought warning advisories.

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, the majority of the Commonwealth is currently experiencing historic drought conditions, with all of Virginia American Water's service territory under a drought warning.

"The lack of precipitation and increased water demand in the hot summer months has impacted source water levels," said Charles Piekanski, Vice President of Virginia American Water. "We're asking our residential customers to voluntarily reduce non-essential water use in an effort to avoid additional restrictions."

These voluntary conservation measures are not directed toward businesses or industries, only toward residential non-essential usage and only during the period that the drought continues.

"Small changes in daily habits and simple water reduction measures can make a difference," added Piekanski.

Below are tips for conserving water inside and outside the home: 

Outside

• Water your lawn and garden on alternating days. When you do, water in the early morning or evening to reduce evaporation. 
• Turn off ornamental fountains.
• Limit washing of vehicles, boats, trailers and paved surfaces.
• Limit filling and topping off your swimming pools.

Inside

• Run dishwashers and clothes washers only when they are full. If you have a water-saver cycle, use it.
• Regularly check your toilet, faucets, and pipes for leaks with our free leak detection resources. If you find a leak, have it fixed as soon as possible.  
• Install water-saving showerheads, toilets and faucet aerators.
• Consider water and energy-efficient appliances. Products and services that have earned the WaterSense label have been certified to be at least 20% more efficient while maintaining performance. 
• Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth or washing dishes in the sink.

To learn more about wise water use, please visit our website for a valuable list of water saving tips.

About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water's approximately 7,000 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company's national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders. For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.

About Virginia American Water
Virginia American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water company in the state, providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 384,000 people. For more information, visit www.virginiaamwater.com and join Virginia American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X.

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SOURCE American Water