Town of Leesburg, Virginia
Home MenuDrought Watch
Drought Watch Quick Summary
- Drought watch impacts six million regional residents including the Town of Leesburg.
- There is currently an adequate supply of water in the Potomac River.
- Residents and businesses are encouraged to take simple, voluntary steps to reduce water use.
On June 3, 2026, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments declared a regional Drought Watch which includes Leesburg.
The Drought Watch was put into effect following unusually dry conditions despite recent rainfall. The regional Drought Watch applies to nearly six million residents across the District of Columbia, suburban Maryland and Northern Virginia (including Leesburg).
A Drought Watch is an early advisory stage in the Regional Drought Response Plan. It is the level before the Drought Warning stage, when water restrictions would be encouraged. At the highest Emergency stage, jurisdictions and utilities may implement mandatory water use restrictions in a coordinated manner. Since the adoption of the regional drought plan in 2000, the region has not entered the Drought Warning stage.
Currently there is an adequate supply of water in the Potomac River and backup reservoirs, residents and businesses are encouraged to practice wise water use by taking simple, voluntary steps to reduce water use and help protect the region's water resources if dry conditions persist.
Use Water Wisely, Together
Here are some simple tips residents can use to limit indoor and outdoor water use:
Indoor
- Reduce shower length to under 5 minutes;
- Turn off water while brushing your teeth/shaving;
- Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes; and
- Fix any plumbing leaks- especially toilets and faucets.
Outdoor
- Monitor watering lawns, plants and shrubs;
- Sweep sidewalks and driveways (instead of using a hose); and
- Avoid washing your car or instead use a commercial car wash that recycles water.
For more information and current drought conditions, click here.