Bath County’s Wells Are Struggling

Bath County Service Authority Asks Residents to Voluntarily Conserve Water Amid Drought

Wells under stress after a winter of heavy snow and a dry spring; mandatory restrictions possible if conditions worsen

THE BATH COUNTY SERVICE AUTHORITY has issued a Step 1 Voluntary Water Conservation Notice, calling on customers across the county to reduce their water use as drought conditions continue to strain local wells and groundwater supplies.

The Authority has served Bath County since 1975, operating five wells, more than a dozen storage tanks, four wastewater treatment plants, and eleven pump stations. It provides water to approximately 1,300 customers and manages around 2,000 sewer connections — all maintained by a notably small crew.

Bart Perdue of the Bath County Service Authority said the current shortage traces back to an unusually prolonged winter snowpack followed by a dry spring. The snow sat on frozen ground for weeks without percolating into the aquifer, depriving wells of the recharge they normally receive.

“The winter really started this off. We had that big snow that just set on and set on and set on — the water wasn’t going in the ground. It rolled over because we haven’t had a lot of rain this spring. The springs are okay, but the wells are struggling, and we’re just trying to maintain that.”

— Bart Perdue, Bath County Service Authority

Under the Step 1 notice, customers are asked to make simple, voluntary reductions in daily water use. Perdue kept his message direct: turn the tap off while brushing teeth, skip the car wash unless absolutely necessary, and cut long showers short.

“Just save water any way you can. We’re just trying to maintain what we’ve got.”

If voluntary efforts fall short, the Authority is prepared to escalate to a Step 2 Mandatory Restriction, which would involve enforcement actions and the potential for fines and penalties. Perdue said he is hopeful the community’s cooperation will make that unnecessary.

“We just want you to do it, not because we’re hammering you. We’ve got a great community and they really help us out a lot. I know we’re gonna be all right and not have to move on past this.”

Perdue also urged residents to report any water they see running from the ground in unusual places, as unreported leaks compound strain on the system. “We’re pretty good about fixing our leaks and keeping everything up,” he said. “We just appreciate your help in doing that.”

Listen to our full interview:

RESOURCES & CONTACTS

Virginia DEQ Drought Monitor  datascience.deq.virginia.gov/public/Drought-Monitoring/

Bath County Service Authority  540-839-7251