FR is under voluntary water conservation

front royal town hall

The Town of Front Royal is asking residents to voluntarily conserve water as river levels continue to drop.

Town officials say the flow of the South Fork of the Shenandoah River fell below 400 cubic feet per second on August 5th.

That’s about 260 million gallons of water per day.

The reduced flow triggers conservation measures under the Town’s water withdrawal permit from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality.

Residents are being asked to limit outdoor water use.

That includes watering lawns, plants and trees only before nine a.m. or after four p.m.

Car washing should be limited to once a week, unless using a commercial car wash.

Residents are also asked to limit washing driveways and other paved surfaces, reduce the use of ornamental fountains, and avoid filling swimming pools unless simply topping them off.

Restaurants are asked to serve drinking water only when customers request it.

Officials also recommend the following conservation efforts:

  • Running dishwashers and washing machines only when they’re full.
  • Taking shorter showers.
  • Turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth or shaving.
  • Fixing leaking or inefficient water fixtures.

Residents can call the Town’s Water Treatment Plant at 540-636-7474 with questions and should monitor local media for future updates.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

Local Water Alert: Front Royal asks residents to conserve water

The Town of Front Royal is requesting voluntary water conservation from all residents using the municipal water system due to significantly low river levels.

The flow rate of the South Fork of the Shenandoah River has dropped below a critical threshold of 400 cubic feet per second, triggering a conservation request under the Town’s state water permit.

What You Can Do:

  • To help protect the water supply, the Town is asking residents to observe these voluntary
    conservation measures:

    •  Outdoor Watering: Limit watering lawns and vegetation to before 9 a.m. and after 4 p.m.
    • Washing Vehicles: Limit washing personal vehicles to once per week, also restricting the
      time to before 9 a.m. and after 4 p.m. (Commercial car washes are exempt).
    • Restaurants: Restaurants should only serve drinking water upon request.

The Town also suggests simple changes like taking shorter showers, turning off the tap while brushing teeth, and running only full loads in dishwashers and washing machines.

Your cooperation is vital as the community manages its water resources during this period of low river flow.

For questions, please contact the Water Treatment Plant at 540-636-7474.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here

FRPD and Town officials continue school zone safety programs

Front Royal Police Department seal used by permission

As the start of the new school year approaches, the Front Royal Police Department, in partnership with the Town of Front Royal, is continuing its commitment to protecting the community’s most vulnerable residents, its children.

To promote safer driving near schools, the Town previously introduced an automated speed enforcement program in designated school zones.

This initiative includes warning signs, flashing lights, digital speed indicators, and photo enforcement devices, all designed to alert drivers, reduce speeding, and enhance student safety.

With classes resuming on August 12th for public schools, officials are reminding drivers that speeding in active school zones will result in a summons when warning lights are flashing, school is in session, and children are present.

“This is a critical opportunity for our community to prioritize safety,” said a spokesperson from the Front Royal Police Department. “Slowing down near schools can save lives and make a lasting difference for the students and families of Front Royal.”

Town officials urge all motorists to remain alert, obey posted speed limits, and support efforts to keep Front Royal safe, especially for its youngest residents.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here. 

Odor control maintenance at Wastewater Treatment Facility

The Town of Front Royal will be performing routine maintenance at its Wastewater Treatment Facility during the week of July 14–18, 2025.

Crews will be replacing the wood media in the odor control unit on the digested sludge tanks.

During this time, residents may notice a temporary increase in odors near the facility.

While the smell may be unpleasant, it poses no harm to residents or pets.

We appreciate your understanding and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here. 

Overnight pipe replacement scheduled on Royal Avenue in Front Royal

The Town of Front Royal’s Streets Department will be replacing a stormwater pipe along Royal Avenue, between Commerce Avenue and 8th Street, as part of ongoing infrastructure improvements.

Scheduled Work Dates:

  • June 30 through July 2, 2025
  • Work Hours: 10:00 PM – 6:00 AM nightly, weather permitting

During construction, motorists can expect changing traffic patterns and lane shifts.

Proper signage will be in place to guide drivers safely through the work zone.

Drivers are urged to exercise caution and remain alert for crews working in the area.

The Town apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation.

For questions or concerns:

  •  Public Works Department: 540-635-7819 (Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–3:30 PM)
  • After Hours: Contact the Non-Emergency Police Department at 540-635-2111

Thank you for helping keep our roadways safe and our infrastructure strong.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

Waterline upgrades on North Royal

Heads up, drivers in Front Royal!

Starting the week of May 27th, weather permitting, Green Ridge Contracting will begin waterline upgrades along North Royal Avenue, between North Commerce Avenue and 6th Street.

The project runs through August 1st, and you can expect lane closures, shifting traffic patterns, and occasional night work.

Flaggers and signs will guide you, but please slow down and use caution in the area.

The town thanks you for your patience during this important infrastructure upgrade.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

Volunteer energy reduction request from the Town

police radios

The Town of Front Royal is asking electric customers to voluntarily reduce energy consumption during peak hours from 5:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, starting Monday, January 20, through Wednesday, January 22.

With temperatures expected to drop near zero, conserving energy can help lower transmission costs and keep electricity rates low.

Officials assure the grid is in good shape, but every bit of conservation helps.

Simple steps include lowering your thermostat to 68 degrees, turning off lights and electronics when not in use, and delaying chores like laundry until off-peak hours.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

 

Front Royal students eligible for $3,000 scholarship

The Lyle B. Wright Scholarship is now accepting applications from students whose household receives electricity from the Town of Front Royal.

Five, one-time scholarships of $3,000 will be distributed by American Municipal Power to local high school students to further their education and raise awareness for careers in the municipal electric utility field.

Applicants must be a graduating senior who has met entrance requirements for college or a technical school and has a cumulative unweighted GPA of 4.0 for 6 semesters.

Students must send a completed application with a short essay on Electricity or Green Initiatives along with their transcript to the Town of Front Royal by Monday, December 9th.

A committee will review the applications and select a nominee for this municipality.

Applicants will be notified about their status after December 13th.

For more information including a link to apply, click here.

Paving-lane closure updates in Front Royal

The Town of Front Royal’s contractor, Kickin’ Asphalt, will be paving roads in multiple locations from October 6-9, between the hours of 8pm-6am (Weather Permitting).

At times traffic patterns will change causing various lane shifts however proper sign guidance will be in place.

Motorists are asked to use caution while driving in these areas and be aware of crews working: Commerce Ave from 2nd to 4th St W. 6th St from Royal Ave to Villa Ave 522 north near Blue Ridge Shadows.

Any individual with questions or concerns, are encouraged to contact Public Works: Monday-Friday 7am-3:30pm or After-Hours Non-Emergency Police Department at 540-635-2111

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

Town tables action on draft resolution

In an interesting develop on Thursday, July 25th, the Town of Front Royal tabled an action that would have potentially increased litigation between them and Warren County.

In a joint venture was signed on December 21, 1967, that created the Economic Development Authority (EDA).

The Town of Front Royal withdrew from the operation in 2019/2020.

This is has been a hot topic recently due to the two locales having multiple closed sessions over a first draft resolution.

It was first added to the agenda for Monday, July 22, 2024, but then removed.

Follow The River 95.3 for updates on this developing story.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.