006-23 (RatifyingDroughtWarningDeclaration) f
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RESOLUTION
RATIFYING DROUGHT WARNING DECLARATION
WHEREAS, the rainfall for the spring/summer growing season has been extremely low across most of
Frederick County; and
WHEREAS, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) previously issued a Drought
Warning for the Shenandoah Region; and
WHEREAS U.S. Geological Survey Groundwater data show groundwater levels are at extremely low
levels and there are reports of some wells underperforming in the area, it is incumbent upon the Frederick
County Board of Supervisors to act responsibly in an effort to help protect vital public interests including
the economic viability of the County's agricultural economy and fanners that constitute the core of that
economy; and
WHEREAS, drought conditions have caused significant adverse impacts to the reliability of water
resources and the ability of the Frederick County Sanitation Authority(aka Frederick Water)to adequately
supply and meet future demands or usage requirements of its clients, and the public health and safety are
at risk; and
WHEREAS, a Drought Emergency was issued on September 8, 2023, but with positive customer
response to the Drought declarations including a 25% reduction in daily water consumption, and In
consultation with Frederick Water, the restrictions can now be relaxed from emergency status to warning
status while authorities continue to monitor groundwater well and quarry recharges to detennline future
drought stage considerations.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Frederick County Board of Supervisors affirms the
declaration of a drought warning as issued on September 22, 2023.
ADOPTED this 27°i day of September 2023.
Charles S. DeHaven, Jr., Chairman Aye Shawn L. Graber Aye
Heather H. Lockxidge Aye Robert W. Wells Aye
Blaine P. Dunn Aye Josh E. Ludwig Aye
Judith McCann-Slaughter Aye
Michael L. Bollhoefei
Clerk, Board of Supervisors
County of Frederick, Virginia
Res. No. 006-23