Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Utilities Water topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Middleburg council rescinds voluntary water-conservation measures
Summary
Citing lower seasonal demand and improved well performance, Middleburg’s council voted to rescind voluntary water-conservation measures and said staff will reinstate rules if conditions change; council discussed regional groundwater concerns and suggested county collaboration.
Middleburg — The Middleburg Town Council voted to rescind the town’s voluntary water-conservation measures after staff reported current supply and demand trends had eased immediate pressure on the system. Town Manager Danny Davis told council that Well 3 is supplementing Well 4 and that overall demand is lower at this time of year, and staff recommended ending the voluntary restrictions while retaining authority to reinstate them if conditions deteriorate.
The council’s move follows a staff briefing that noted limited precipitation in recent weeks and gaps in regional monitoring data because of federal and state reporting interruptions. Davis described operational monitoring showing Well 3 running intermittently (about 20,000 gallons when in operation) to top off storage, and he cautioned that a lack of rain and other pressures could require reinstating conservation “sooner or later.”
Council members used the discussion to frame a broader, regional approach. The mayor reported on a recent presentation by the County Conservation Preservation Coalition and a retired county hydrologist that highlighted long-term groundwater declines in parts of western Loudoun County; he said the coalition recommended towns engage with the county on tighter well setbacks and building standards. Danny Davis supported the idea of a joint working group with county participation to share town-level monitoring and data.
Council member Bud (surname recorded at roll call) moved to rescind the voluntary conservation measures; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The council did not adopt new mandatory restrictions and left the town’s emergency/operational options available if water levels or production change.
Next steps: staff will continue monitoring the wells, advise council if operational trends worsen, and coordinate with county staff and neighboring towns if the county establishes a multi-jurisdictional working group or requests town participation in regional studies.
