FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 2, 2026
Water Conservation Efforts Extended
Bedford Community Asked to Conserve Water
Bedford, Va. — Bedford County is currently experiencing severe drought conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Despite the ongoing dry weather, Bedford Water (BW) continues to maintain a reliable water supply through its three drinking water sources: Smith Mountain Lake, Stoney Creek Reservoir, and water purchased from Lynchburg Water Resources.
This diversified system has allowed BW to meet customer demand without implementing conservation measures for most customers throughout the summer. As drought conditions have persisted, all three water sources have been impacted. While there is still ample water available from all three sources, BW is following the alert stage response of the Drought Response and Water Conservation Plan by requesting voluntary water conservation activities.
Earlier this year, when drought conditions first affected Smith Mountain Lake, BW asked customers in that service area to voluntarily conserve water. To help preserve water resources across the system, BW is now temporarily requesting that all Bedford Water customers voluntarily conserve water use, with a goal of lowering overall usage by approximately 5–10%.
For more information, please read the full press release below:
20261001 Water Conservation Media Release SV