City of Greensboro Implements Next Stage of Mandatory Water Restrictions 
June 19, 2002

City Manager Ed Kitchen announced today (Wednesday) that effective Monday, June 24, the City of Greensboro will implement Stage IIB - Level II Warning mandatory water restrictions.   Under these restrictions it is illegal to:

• Water lawns with sprinklers or irrigation systems
• Wash vehicles or mobile equipment, except at commercial car washes
• Fill ornamental pools or fountains
• Wash outdoor areas such as streets, sidewalks, homes, etc., except by licensed, commercial pressure washers
• Use water from public or private hydrants
• Operate water-cooled equipment that does not recycle cooling water
• Serve water in restaurants unless requested
• Use water for dust control/compaction
• Misuse or intentionally waste water

Watering by hand-held hoses, containers, or drip irrigation is allowed any day of the week.  Those involved in plant sales may water their stock by any method, at any time. Golf courses and athletic fields that have a separate meter for irrigation shall be allowed to water between the hours of 10 pm and 5 am any day of the week, but must reduce their water usage by 60 percent. Commercial car washes and commercial pressure washers shall be permitted to operate. Penalties for violation of the restrictions are as follows:

• Residential Penalties:  1st offense—warning, 2nd offense--$100, Subsequent offenses--$200
• Non-Residential Penalties:  1st offense--$200, 2nd offense--$500, Subsequent offenses--$1,000

Greensboro’s Emergency Restriction Plan provides for Stage IIB, Level II mandatory restrictions when the water supply drops to 125 days. Water Resources Director Allan Williams states “Due to the ongoing drought, which the entire East Coast is experiencing, and continued water demand, Greensboro’s reservoir levels continue to drop. Despite purchasing over 1.5 billion gallons of water from neighboring cities, without significant rainfall, we will reach the 125 days supply in our reservoirs by next week.  Although we had hoped to avoid going into further mandatory water restrictions, forecasts don’t show substantial likelihood of rain, and it is necessary to impose these restrictions at this time.”

In North Carolina, 19 counties have imposed voluntary or mandatory water use restrictions.  Greensboro’s  Stage IIB – Level II Warning mandatory restrictions will remain in effect for at least 30 days.