Voluntary water conservation standards still in effect in Henrico, Richmond region

Voluntary water conservation status is still in effect in Henrico County, as well as the City of Richmond and the counties of Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover and Powhatan.

The localities are asking residents to voluntarily comply with the eight measures, one of which suggests that residents with odd-numbered property addresses water their lawns on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays only, while those with even-numbered addresses water only on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays and that no one water on Mondays.

Other voluntary restrictions:

• Run fountains only between 8 p.m. and 10 a.m. Fountains may run at any time on two days each week chosen by the owner or operator.

• Wash driveways, sidewalks, and other paved areas on any two days each week. Washing for health or safety reasons is always allowed. 

• Fill or add water to swimming pools only as needed to keep them safe and clean.

• Water vegetable gardens only between 8 p.m. and 10 a.m. Watering with a bucket is allowed at any time. 

• Wash vehicles on any two days each week using a handheld hose with an automatic shutoff nozzle. Commercial mobile vehicle washing businesses are exempt.

• Newly planted trees, shrubs, flowers, and grass may be watered at any time during the first 10 days after planting. After the first 10 days, follow the lawn watering schedule above. 

• Water golf courses only between 8 p.m. and 10 a.m. Golf course greens may be watered at any time.

State officials continue to request voluntary water conservation as well; a decision to lift the call for voluntary conservation measures will be made next week, pending continued stable river flow conditions and rainfall as well as guidance from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality’s Drought Monitory Task Force, according to local officials.