Front Royal Remains Under Mandatory Water Conservation As Shenandoah River Flow Drops

Front Royal municipal water customers remain under mandatory water conservation restrictions after the South Fork of the Shenandoah River fell below a key flow level, and violations carry fines of up to $1,000 per offense.

The Town of Front Royal reported Thursday, Oct. 9, that the river’s daily streamflow fell below 340 cubic feet per second, about 220 million gallons per day.

The reduced flow triggers conservation requirements under the town’s Virginia Department of Environmental Quality permit for withdrawing water from the Shenandoah River.

As a result, all customers served by Front Royal’s municipal water system must continue following mandatory conservation measures.

Town officials expressed hope that expected rainfall will improve conditions and shorten the restrictions.

“Hopefully, with the forecasted weather and rain expected, this will not last long,” the town said in its announcement.

What Is Prohibited

While mandatory conservation measures are in effect, customers may not use town water to water lawns, grass, trees, shrubs, plants, or other vegetation.

There are limited exceptions. Indoor plants, greenhouse and commercial nursery stock, and new plantings less than one year old may be watered before 9 a.m. or after 4 p.m.

Outdoor washing of cars, trucks, trailers, boats, airplanes, and other mobile equipment is also prohibited unless the washing takes place at a commercial vehicle wash facility.

Residents and businesses may not use town water to wash private streets, driveways, parking lots, service station grounds, or other paved outdoor surfaces.

Ornamental fountains must also be shut down unless they recycle their water. Municipal ornamental fountains are to be cleaned and closed within two days of a mandatory conservation declaration.

Filling swimming or wading pools is prohibited. Pools that are already filled may be topped off as necessary to maintain appropriate levels for use.

Violations can result in a fine of up to $1,000 for each offense. The town can treat each day a violation continues as a separate offense.

Residents Asked To Cut Other Water Use

Beyond the prohibited activities, town officials are asking customers to voluntarily reduce water use wherever possible.

Restaurants are encouraged to serve drinking water only when customers request it, while residents are asked to run dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads.

The town also recommends taking short showers instead of baths and turning off the faucet while brushing teeth or shaving.

People washing dishes by hand are encouraged to use two basins—one for washing and another for rinsing—instead of letting the faucet run continuously.

Residents are also asked to repair leaking fixtures, consider reduced-flow fixtures and eliminate other non-essential water use.

Town officials noted that using less water during low-flow conditions can also help customers reduce their utility bills.

Front Royal relies on the South Fork of the Shenandoah River for its municipal water. The town’s state-issued withdrawal permit requires different conservation measures when river flow falls to certain levels.

The mandatory restrictions announced Oct. 9 come as river flow has dropped below the permit’s 340-cfs threshold.

“Thank you for your assistance in conserving our water resources during this low river flow period,” Town Manager Joe Petty said in the notice.

Residents are encouraged to monitor town announcements and local media for changes to the conservation requirements, particularly as anticipated rainfall could affect river conditions.

Anyone with questions about the mandatory water restrictions can contact the Front Royal Water Treatment Plant at 540-636-7474.