City Cuts Water Usage; Asks Citizens to Do the Same 

City Manager Ed Kitchen announced that, effective today, Tuesday, June 8, 1999, the City of Greensboro will implement Stage I Voluntary Water Restrictions. Stage I strongly encourages voluntary water conservation measures from citizens, businesses and institutions.

The City is taking the lead by cutting its own water usage. The business that was contracted to wash City garbage containers has, at the City’s request, arranged to purchase the water from the City of High Point. Therefore, the water used to wash the containers will come from an outside water system at no additional cost to Greensboro citizens.

City departments are taking other measures as well to help conserve. Below are specific examples of water conservation efforts that the city organization has implemented

• The Environmental Services Department has discontinued all washing of all solid waste trucks until it becomes absolutely necessary for health and safety reasons.
• The Parks & Recreation Department has substantially reduced outdoor watering, in accordance with Stage I Voluntary Water Conservation recommendations.
• The Fire Department has stopped hydrant flow testing; reduced the washing of cars and trucks; suspended all training involving the use of water; encouraged employees to decrease water use when showering and washing dishes; and stopped the regular washing of turnout gear except in cases of toxic exposure.
• The Police Department has discontinued all washing of police vehicles unless it becomes absolutely necessary.

Kitchen said, "We are taking these proactive steps while our lakes are still in reasonably good condition." Although water levels at City lakes currently remain reasonable, public demand for water has been unusually high. During the past few days, Water Resources has been pumping out water at approximately 45 million gallons per day (mgd) compared to 32mgd a year ago.

The most important action citizens can take to help conserve water is to stop unnecessary lawn watering. According to the Cooperative Extension Service, one watering per week is sufficient to maintain a lawn. The best time to water is during early morning or late evening hours. Water used during the heat of the day evaporates very quickly. Sprinkler systems should be used no more than two times a week. Other recommended actions during the voluntary water conservation stage include:

• Install water saving devices such as the Greensboro Gadget, a water-saving faucet aerator that can be installed on water taps; the Prismiere™, a water-saving showerhead; and early closing toilet flappers. All of these items are available free of charge at City Parks & Recreation Centers and libraries.
• Inspect and repair all faulty and defective parts of faucets and toilets.
• Use shower for bathing rather than bathtub and limit shower to no more than five minutes.
• Do not leave faucets running while shaving, rinsing dishes, or brushing teeth.
• Limit use of clothes washers and dishwashers and when used, operate fully loaded.
• Water shrubbery the minimum required, reusing household water when possible.
• Limit vehicle washing.
• Do not wash down outside areas such as sidewalks, patios, driveways, etc.
• Use disposable and biodegradable dishes where possible.
• Limit hours of water-cooled air conditioners.
• Do not fill swimming or wading pools. 

Water Resources Director Allan Williams explains that, "Assuming average daily usage, as of today we have 170 days of water remaining which is about 85 percent of the City’s normal supply of water. If we reach 150 days (when approximately 75 percent of the City’s water supply remains), we will move into mandatory water restrictions. If weather conditions remain dry, the City will likely move into mandatory restrictions within the next two to three weeks."

Kitchen states that, "It will make a tremendous difference if everyone puts forth an effort to implement some or all of Stage I voluntary water restriction recommendations. Ultimately, the success of voluntary water conservation is in the hands of Greensboro citizens and businesses."

For more conservation tips, call the Operation WaterWise Hotline at 373-7610.