Trees at Code Red – Water Restrictions Start Friday

Since the two subjects are related you get two posts for the price of one. First up Richmond Tree Stewards are very concerned about the newly planted trees and our lack of appreciable rain. Thus we are at Code Red.
It only takes 15 gallons a week to keep your new tree healthy so please help out.

Now for the other bit of news. Voluntary water restrictions are expected to be announced on Friday. Continue you on for the official DPU statement and explanation of what the restrictions mean.

As a result of the current water levels in the James River, the city of Richmond, along with the counties of Henrico, Hanover and Goochland are in the Ready Alert stage of announcing water conservation measures.  Voluntary conservation measures are expected to be announced on Friday, August 12.  Chesterfield County, whose water management plan is governed in part by the Appomattox Water Authority entered voluntary conservation today.  For the other counties low water levels in the James River necessitate the issuance of voluntary compliance measures to assist local governments in providing water to all customers in the region, while also meeting the requirements of the James River Regional Flow Management Plan.  This plan calls for the implementation of voluntary conservation measures once water levels in the James River reach Natural River Flow (NRF) 14-day rolling average of 1,200 cfs (cubic feet per second) or approximately 3.4 feet of depth at the Richmond-Westham Gauge.

During implementation of water conservation measures, City of Richmond customers may also see a conservation rate surcharge on their utility bills if their water use exceeds 140 percent of their normal winter water usage. DPU’s water conservation rate went into effect July 1, 2008.  The higher commodity rate will be charged on their excess usage.  This is to encourage conservation-friendly behavior.

Significant rainfall may eliminate the current low water level conditions, allowing these voluntary water conservation measures to be lifted.  Henrico County DPU customers will be allowed to water their lawns refurbished through motorized means for 30 days if the refurbishment occurs between September 1 and October 31.

The chart below outlines the city of Richmond’s categories included in the Voluntary Water Conservation Measures:

County of Chesterfield         Customer Service                                                    748-1291

CountyofGoochland          Public Utilities                                                           556-5835

County of Hanover              Public Utilities                                                           365-6024

CountyofHenrico               Customer Service                                                    501-4275

City ofRichmond                 Customer Care Center                                            644-3000

Richmondresidents may visit Richmond’s DPU blog at www.cordpu.blogspot for Frequently Asked Questions concerning the city’s Voluntary water conservation designation.