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 restictions.

The U.S. Drought Monitor, 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.

Gov. Abigail Spanberger's office said earlier this month 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.