Chesterfield Lifts Voluntary Water Restrictions

TL;DR: Chesterfield County and neighboring localities lifted one-month-old voluntary water restrictions on August 4, 2026, after James River flows recovered above conservation thresholds.

The story

Chesterfield County on August 4, 2026 lifted voluntary water conservation measures that had been in effect for just over one month. The restrictions, which began July 1, required residents to water lawns only on designated days based on odd or even street addresses and prohibited outdoor watering during peak hours.

The original restrictions permitted odd-numbered addresses to water on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, while even-numbered addresses could water on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. No watering was allowed between 7-9 a.m. or 5-7 p.m. Additional rules limited vehicle washing and paved surface cleaning to two days per week using hand-held hoses with automatic shut-off nozzles.

The measures were prompted by severe drought conditions in central Virginia. The region experienced an approximate 9-inch rainfall deficit for the water year (October 1, 2025 through August 4, 2026), with some areas in the James River watershed west of Richmond facing deficits as high as 13 inches. Extended dry weather had created the driest period since 1941 in Virginia, and flows in the James River dropped below 1,700 cubic feet per second, the trigger point under Richmond's James River Regional Flow Management Plan.

County Utilities Director Matthew Rembold noted at the time that conservation measures "can make a big difference during periods of high demand." Richmond officials had emphasized that while there was no drinking water shortage, the measures required resident cooperation to maintain adequate supplies.

The restrictions affected six localities across central Virginia: the City of Richmond, Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, and Powhatan counties. Henrico County officials had called for "a good soaking rain" to restore river levels, noting that recovery could take weeks without significant precipitation.

By early August, improved conditions and restored James River flows above conservation triggers enabled officials to lift the measures. Officials stated they will continue monitoring water conditions and will reissue voluntary conservation measures if necessary. Residents are still encouraged to practice water conservation as an everyday habit even though emergency restrictions have ended.

Key players

• Chesterfield County Department of Public Utilities: Implemented and lifted water conservation measures
• Richmond Department of Public Utilities: Led the regional James River Regional Flow Management Plan and coordinated multi-jurisdiction response
• Matthew Rembold: Chesterfield County Utilities Director

Why it matters: Residents in Chesterfield can now resume normal outdoor water use for landscaping and lawn care after a month of restricted watering schedules. The early August recovery demonstrates how quickly hydrological conditions can shift, but also highlights the region's vulnerability to extended droughts.

Places

• James River

Related links

• Chesterfield County water conservation information
• Virginia Department of Health water conservation tips

Read the original at NBC12 / WWBT News →

Sources

• 12 On Your Side - Voluntary Water Restrictions Lifted
• Chesterfield County - Water Conservation Notice