2026 DROUGHT IMPACTS ON PRIVATE WELLS
The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) monitors drought conditions in the Commonwealth. For the assessment period ending July 7, 2026, DEQ reported that 66.21% of the state is characterized as being in a severe or worse drought condition. Groundwater levels are at emergency status for nearly 70% of Virginia. These conditions can have significant impacts on private wells. Private well repair and replacement data indicates a moderate increase in the number of failing private wells across the Commonwealth.
In response to these drought conditions, the Virginia Department of Health recommends private well owners to discontinued non-essential water uses in areas of a declared drought warning or emergency. Non-essential water uses include:
-
- Unrestricted irrigation of lawns.
- Unrestricted irrigation of golf courses.
- Unrestricted irrigation of athletic fields.
- Washing paved surfaces.
- Washing or cleaning of automobiles, trucks, trailers, and boats.
- Use of water for operation of ornamental uses (e.g. fountains).
- Use of water to fill and top off outdoor swimming pools.
If your well is impacted by drought and begins to run dry please contact a licensed professional, do not make your own adjustment to well pumps. There are significant injury hazards, including electrical shock and loss of limbs, when making adjustments to private wells.
If you are an individual homeowner and are experience issues with your private water system, you can express your interest or need in financial assistance by filling out a Homeowner SWAP Interest Form. Please note, submission of an interest form is not an application for funding and does not guarantee future funding for your project.
GENERAL EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Events such as hurricanes or other major storms, flooding, and earthquakes – even lightning strikes – can render water supply from private wells unfit for use as a drinking water source. Frequently these effects are short-term and can be handled using the procedures identified in the attached links. In extreme cases, the effects may be permanent and well, or onsite septic system, repair or replacement will be warranted.
Always remember that it is your and your family’s health which will be placed at risk if a disaster adversely affects your well. VDH urges you to adopt the “Plan-Check-Act” approach.
PLAN
Plan ahead by:
- Maintaining a supply of bottled drinking water sufficient to last your family for three days. One gallon per person per day is suggested for drinking and hygiene purposes. (see ready.gov for additional information for preparation of a basic emergency kit).
- Maintain a list of contact information (VDH, Water Well and Septic professionals, treatment system providers).
CHECK
If disaster strikes, check the well and the water supply prior to use. This means visually inspect the well and, at a minimum, observe the water for cloudiness and/or odor.
ACT
Take appropriate actions (boil water, flush system, conduct repairs, etc.)
The following links provide detailed check-act instructions for specific events