by Kate Shunney
West Virginia Governor Jim Justice declared a State of Emergency across the state last Friday, July 26 due to “a prolonged shortage of rainfall” that has caused drought conditions in all 55 counties. 
“This drought has plagued West Virginia farmers, putting them at risk of losing everything,” Gov. Justice said. “We cannot and will not stand by and watch our hardworking farmers suffer from this severe lack of rain. We understand the immense stress and hardship this drought has caused. Right now, our Emergency Management Division is working tirelessly to secure disaster assistance for those in need. Until then, we are committed to doing everything we can to support our agricultural community during this challenging time.”
Justice said the move also activates the state’s Emergency Operations Plan, which authorizes powers to the Director of the West Virginia Emergency Management Division to ensure essential emergency services are provided efficiently.
The State of Emergency is to remain in effect for 30 days unless the governor terminates it sooner.
No statewide burn ban was issued along with the proclamation.
Drought effects nearby
A drought watch has been issued for western Maryland, including Garrett, Allegany and Washington counties, due to “lower-than-normal stream flows and groundwater levels.”
On Monday, July 29, the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin (ICPRB) joined their partners across the region to ask residents and businesses to start reducing their water use because of dry conditions. The voluntary steps would help preserve the region’s water supplies, the commission said.
Voluntary water conservation is the second level in a four-stage regional drought response place, said the Committee of the Metropolitan Council of Governments.
The Potomac River is the main water source for the Washington, D.C. metro area.
“Our region’s ‘water supply bank account’-system of reservoirs is full, and we are able to meet the current water needs of the region. This next step will help ensure that remains the case,” states ICPRB’s executive director, Michael Nardolilli.
If flows in the Potomac continue to drop, they may reach levels that trigger other drought monitoring and action steps, include twice-daily reports and releases from upstream drinking water reservoirs, said Commission officials.
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, almost 70% of the Potomac River watershed is in either Severe or Extreme drought status.
