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Shenandoah County water monitors report persistent low groundwater and streamflow
Summary
County water‑resource staff reported monitoring wells and stream gauges show low to record‑low water levels across the region; officials said they have not yet seen a surge in dry‑well reports but urged preparedness as conditions remain very dry.
Bobby Clark presented groundwater and streamflow monitoring data to the board on Jan. 13 showing broadly low water levels across the region. Clark said several monitoring wells are at "very, very low" or record‑low values for this time of year and that streamflow stations showed declines after recent rains. "So the story is the groundwater is down," Clark said, adding that some monitoring wells recorded "all‑time low levels for the month of January."
Clark said he had not yet received many reports to the health department of dry domestic wells or requests for redrilling permits, but he warned that conditions are worse or about the same compared with the prior spring and that the county should be "nervous" about continued dryness. He noted that some localities (Woodstock) have already enacted water restrictions.
Supervisors asked whether conditions have improved since Clark last reported; Clark said the valley overall is about the same or a little worse and that continued rainfall is needed. He urged residents to document and prepare by capturing photos and well information ahead of any Board of Equalization hearings or administrative processes that rely on property characteristics; the primary advice for residents remained to watch for county guidance and to conserve water where local measures are announced.
