Heat waves are currently pummeling parts of the USA. Some states, like Virginia, even restrict surface washing and car washing. ‘Except at facilities with water recycling systems’.

The Fauquier County Water and Sanitation Authority (FCWSA) has announced mandatory outdoor water usage restrictions, ABC 7 News reports. The measurements are a response to a Drought Warning issued by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) for the county.

Water use has increased considerably during recent heat waves, which worsened hydrologic drought conditions in the region.

Effective immediately, FCWSA customers are required to follow these mandatory outdoor water restrictions:

• Irrigation Ban: The use of sprinklers or irrigation systems is prohibited.
• Vehicle Washing: Washing of cars, trucks, trailers, or other mobile equipment is banned, except at facilities with water recycling systems that are marked.
• Surface Washing: Cleaning streets, driveways, parking lots, or the exteriors of buildings is prohibited unless necessary for safety or health reasons.
• Operation or use of all water-demanding amenities located within WSA’s service area, such as ornamental fountains, waterfalls and reflecting ponds is prohibited, unless essential to aerate for a short period to preserve habitat for aquatic species.
• Refrain from filling any swimming and/or wading pool that is empty or is less than three-quarters full.

Temperatures have been soaring over the last couple of weeks in parts of the US. According to Weather Bureau NOAA the southern states have seen temperatures reaching 50°C while Virginia saw high temperatures around 40°C.

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