Amherst sees slight improvement in water supply as drought continues

AMHERST, Va. (WSET) — The Town of Amherst is seeing some improvement in its water levels after nearly two weeks of mandatory water conservation measures, but officials say residents still need to conserve water as drought conditions continue.

Town Manager Sara McGuffin said that the town is finally seeing some signs that its water supply is beginning to recover.

Residents have been asked to cut back on their water use since mandatory conservation measures were put in place nearly two weeks ago.

McGuffin said it has been difficult to determine exactly how much the restrictions have helped because the town has also had to address water leaks.

“We had a pretty significant leak that we were repairing last week, and then I heard yesterday that we have a smaller one on a different road this week,” McGuffin said. “So, with those, we haven’t really been able to see whether or not we’re getting a big change with the mandatory restrictions.”

Because of a combination of water provided by the service authority and water produced by the town, McGuffin said the town’s water tanks are slowly beginning to fill back up.

She said residents should continue conserving water because even small changes in usage can make a difference.

READ MORE: Town of Amherst issues mandatory water conservation notice

For Amherst residents, that means temporarily giving up some activities they may take for granted, including washing their cars.

Officials recently shut off the water supply to the car wash behind the Quik-E on North Main Street.

Cindy Huber, a Quik-E employee, said the decision has frustrated some customers because it is the only car wash in town.

“It irritates a lot of customers because this is the only car wash in town,” Huber said. “So, they’re like, ‘Hey, when’s it gonna be back open?’ All I can say is I guess when it rains.”

The closure is also affecting the business financially.

“It is affecting the business a little bit, especially with the amount of money that the car wash gets,” Huber said.

Amherst gets its water from the Buffalo River. The town can also pull water from Thrasher Lake if necessary, but McGuffin said officials are trying to avoid that option for now.

With the conservation measures in place, she said the town is seeing a slight improvement in its water levels.

“We know that won’t be a great situation for people, so we’re avoiding that as long as possible,” McGuffin said.

McGuffin also said using Thrasher Lake would create challenges because of the disruption that would be required at the site.

“It’s just this beautiful serene place,” she said. “And there is no way to put a generator or a pump there that isn’t going to be disruptive to people who go there.”

For businesses and families in Amherst, officials say the message remains simple: Every drop counts.

“All of these town folks, if they don’t have water, then how are they gonna manage?” Huber said.