The drought of 1930-32 was the worst drought in Virginia in at least 100 years. Current streamflow,
while low, is not consistently at the low levels experienced during the 1930’s drought.  Below is
the hydrograph for the North Fork Shenandoah River at Strasburg, Va., which compares current
streamflow values with streamflow values during 1931. Ground-water levels also are not at levels
experienced during the early 1930’s; however, ground-water data in Virginia are very limited.  Only
one well in Virginia has measurements that date back to 1931. Below is the hydrograph for a well
in Arlington County, Va. (53V 1). The data show that the well was basically dry in 1931. Low water levels
also are shown for the droughts in 1942, 1955, 1966, and 1982. Currently, the well water level is 5
or 6 feet above the minimum level observed in 1931 and approximately 2 feet above minimum water
levels observed in the 1942, 1955, 1966, and 1982 droughts. Also included is the hydrograph for a
well in Colonial Heights, Va. (51G1). The data show ground-water levels during the droughts in 1942,
1964-1966, and 1982. Currently, the well water level is approximately 1 foot above the minimum water
levels observed during 1942 and 1964.

The following graphs and table give flow duration and current flow conditions for selected U.S. 
Geological Survey and Virginia Department of Environmental Quality ground-water and surface-water 
gaging stations.  Data are provisional and subject to revision.  The normal range of flows is defined as 
flows in the middle two quartiles (between those flows equaled or exceeded 75 percent of the time and 
those flows equaled or exceeded 25 percent of the time).