Stuart asks water customers to reduce outdoor use as South Mayo River runs low

The Town of Stuart is asking water customers to voluntarily reduce outdoor and other non-essential use until further notice after a Sept. 14 river reading reached the lowest level in the town's recorded history.

The town measured 1-5/8 inches over the South Mayo River intake check dam. Officials say the request is a prudential step, not a mandatory restriction: the water supply is adequate, the water is safe to drink and no penalties apply.

Customers are asked to defer lawn and garden irrigation, vehicle and driveway washing, and filling or topping off pools. The town also recommends reporting leaks and running dishwashers and washing machines with full loads.

Stuart says it is monitoring the intake, reporting readings to the Virginia Department of Health and preparing a drought-response plan and water-conservation ordinance for the Oct. 21 Town Council meeting.

Source: Town of Stuart notice issued Sept. 14, 2026, checked Sept. 16, 2026. Original editorial SVG artwork is illustrative and does not depict a specific river reading.