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

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Virginia American Water (NYSE:AWK) is asking residential customers to voluntarily reduce nonessential water use following the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality’s drought warning advisories. All of the company’s service territory is under a drought warning, with historic dry conditions impacting source water levels.

According to Virginia American Water, the request applies only to residential, nonessential use during the drought period and not to businesses or industries. The company provides specific conservation tips for indoor and outdoor use, including adjusted lawn watering, limiting pool filling and vehicle washing, fixing leaks, and using water-efficient appliances.

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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

FAQ

Why is Virginia American Water (AWK) asking customers to reduce water use in July 2026?

Virginia American Water is requesting voluntary residential water reductions because its entire service area is under a drought warning. According to the company, historic dry conditions and higher summer demand are affecting source water levels, prompting commonsense conservation to help avoid stricter restrictions.

Are Virginia American Water (AWK) drought reduction requests mandatory for customers in 2026?

The company’s July 2026 request is voluntary and focuses on nonessential residential water use only. According to Virginia American Water, these measures aim to manage demand during the drought period and are not directed at businesses or industrial customers at this time.

Which customers are affected by Virginia American Water’s July 2026 drought advisory?

Virginia American Water’s advisory applies to residential customers across its service territory, all under a drought warning. According to the company, only nonessential residential water uses, such as lawn watering, pool filling, and car washing, are targeted for voluntary reductions during the drought.

What outdoor water conservation tips does Virginia American Water (AWK) recommend during the drought?

Virginia American Water recommends watering lawns on alternating days, in early morning or evening, and turning off ornamental fountains. The company also urges limiting vehicle and surface washing, plus restricting pool filling and topping off, to reduce nonessential outdoor water use during current drought conditions.

What indoor water-saving steps does Virginia American Water suggest to customers?

Virginia American Water advises running dishwashers and clothes washers only when full and using water-saver cycles. According to the company, customers should check for and fix leaks, install water-saving fixtures, consider efficient appliances, and turn off taps while brushing teeth or washing dishes to cut usage.

Where can Virginia American Water (AWK) customers find more drought and conservation information?

Customers can visit Virginia American Water’s website for additional water-saving tips and free leak detection resources. According to the company, the online guidance supports smarter indoor and outdoor water use, helping residential customers respond effectively to current drought warning conditions in its service areas.