Dog days bring little rain

In these dog days of summer, everyone tries to keep cool. Here, two of the many animal residents of White Buffalo Farm near True Blue found a nice shady spot for a nap.

By: By Gracie Hart Review Staff Writer | Orange County Review
Published: August 14, 2008

It's been more than two months since an inch of rain fell locally. A promising wet spring has turned into a predictably dry summer.
"So far since June 21, we've only had 3.94 inches of rain," said Dave Starner, Superintendent of the Northern Piedmont Agricultural Research Station. "We would usually have 7.20 inches."
Precipitation totals were below average in July and August is not looking better with a to-date total of 0.83 inches. The average for August is 3.85 inches.
"[We] usually figure that we have three weeks of dry weather [but] we've had four or five," said Starner. "We're hanging in there but we could use some moisture."
Crops may be hurt by the lack of rain after having been damaged by hail in previous months.
"Early rain helped the corn," said Unit Coordinator, Agricultural and Natural Resources, Animal Science Steve Hopkins. "The corn crop is already made."
According to Starner, some places in the south had devastating hail twice this year including parts of Madison County but most of the plants in Orange recovered. Rain from storms could come into the area in time to help the soybean crops.
"Rain can help the soybeans but we really need rain for good pastures to be able to graze into winter or the first cuts of hay will be used quickly," said Hopkins. "Fall-seeded crops and reseeding of pastures need rainfall, but it is still early in the season."
While the water table has not been heavily affected by the lack of rainfall, the upcoming winter months could cause it to drop if the area remains dry.
"Dry winters are a concern because that is when the groundwater is recharged," said Hopkins.
So far, the water supply seems safe. When checked at 6 a.m. on Tuesday morning, the Rapidan River was flowing at a rate of 65 cubic feet per second. The river must drop below 44 cubic feet per second before water restrictions are imposed for the Town of Orange, Rapidan Service Authority and the Town of Gordonsville water customers.
"I hope it won't happen but it's a real possibility," said Dwight Baker at the Orange County Water Plant. "It's beautiful outside and nice but rainfall looks good to me."
The restrictions are to protect aquatic life in the river. Even if the area sees no rain at all, it would still be several more weeks before restrictions could be imposed.

Dog days bring little rain

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