> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.richmonder.org/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Henrico County upgraded to 'severe drought' as dry summer continues
- URL: https://www.richmonder.org/henrico-county-upgraded-to-severe-drought-as-dry-summer-continues/
- Published: 2026-06-26T14:09:33.000Z
- Updated: 2026-06-26T19:36:06.000Z
- Description: Local officials are monitoring the situation and may issue a request for voluntary conservation.
- Author: Michael Phillips
- Tags: Local News

As dry conditions continue, local authorities are continuing to monitor water levels and may request voluntarily conservation measures be taken.

In the areas north and west of Richmond, including parts of Louisa and Caroline counties, mandatory restrictions are in place limiting when residents can water their lawn, wash cars, and do other water-intensive activities.

Henrico County officials said they are releasing 64 million gallons of water per day from the Cobbs Creek reservoir to help avoid mandatory restrictions.

The [U.S. Drought Monitor](https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/CurrentMap/StateDroughtMonitor.aspx?fips%5F51760), which is a service of several government agencies in collaboration, is labeling most of Henrico as being in an "Extreme Drought," the second-highest level, while Richmond city and Chesterfield County are in a "Severe Drought," a level lower.

In a press release, Richmond officials said that if river levels don't improve by July 1, the region will issue an advisory asking residents to voluntarily conserve water.

"The recent dry weather and lack of significant rainfall in western Virginia will likely lead to voluntary water conservation in the metro Richmond area," city officials wrote.

## Sign up for The Richmonder

Our free newsletter arrives three times a week, and gives you the local news you need. New here? [Learn more about us.](https://www.richmonder.org/hi/)

Sign up 

Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. 

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Gov. Abigail Spanberger's office [said earlier this month](https://www.governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/news-releases/2026/june-releases/name-1119790-en.html) the drought conditions statewide at the moment are the worst since 1941, and said if conditions continue, statewide mandates may be put in place.

The last time a drought emergency was declared statewide was in 2002.

*Contact Michael Phillips at* [*mphillips@richmonder.org*](mailto:mphillips@richmonder.org)*.*