Despite 19 days of water restrictions, Charlottesville's water level has continued to drop, dipping to 59.9 percent of capacity on Wednesday.
This indicates an increased rate of decline in the city's water level, Charlottesville Public Works Director Judith Mueller said. "The level had been dropping at one-half percent a day."
On Wednesday it dropped 0.9 percent, Mueller said.
In addition to adhering to existing restrictions that ban many forms of outdoor water use, consumers need to reduce their indoor water consumption, she said.
"Our biggest concern is that people are still using lots of water. People haven't shortened their showers, people still are doing half loads of water," she added.
Bill Brent, executive director of the Albemarle County service authority, said the acceleration of draught conditions is cause for concern.
"Three weeks ago we were at 70 percent. Today we're at 59.9 percent. It makes us nervous any time there's an increase in the rate of decline," he said.
The city and Albemarle County are working to reduce consumer water consumption, Brent added
Additional water restrictions likely will take effect next week, Brent said.
"Unless it rains between now and then in enormous quantities, there will be more water restrictions next week," Brent said.
Though details have not been established, the new restrictions probably will take the form of surcharges for consumers who use more than a certain base level of water, Mueller said.
The rate for usage beyond the baseline likely would be "dramatically higher," she said.
Tony Motto, University Director of Energy Conservation, said the University is cooperating with the current water restrictions on outdoor use. At the moment, only the athletic fields are being watered in order to prevent player injury.
In addition, the University has a pre-existing water conservation plan that has reduced University water usage over the last five years.
The plan includes installation of water efficient equipment in dormitories such as low-flow toilets and sink aerators.
The plan also calls for quick response to leaks and mandates higher energy conservation standards for new buildings.
Motto cautions that despite the success of this program and sporadic rain, students should not become complacent about water conservation.
"It's really hard to see what the consequences will be, but once the water is gone, it's gone," Motto said. "We get our water from the community of which we are a part, and we all need to do our part now to stretch our supply until Mother Nature dumps some rain on us."
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