Due to Recent Rain, Water Restrictions Will Remain at Stage 2B 
September 1, 2002

The City of Greensboro is pleased to announce that greater than anticipated rainfall on August 30, 31, and September 1 has made it unnecessary to move into Stage 3 water restrictions at this time. Stage 3 restrictions were scheduled to go into effect September 3 and would have nearly eliminated outside water use by customers. Greensboro will remain in Stage 2B water restrictions for now.

Rains received early last week added little to the reservoirs, due to the dry ground and the scattered nature of the showers, however, rainfall in the last three days have increased stream flow and reservoir levels appreciably. As of this morning (September 1), over 500 million gallons had been added to the stored volumes of the reservoirs. Water Resources Director Allan Williams says, "While estimating future lake volumes is difficult at best, total additions from this rainfall, including water that may flow into the lakes over the next 72 hours, could extend the city's supply by as much as 30 days."

Stage 3 restrictions are called for when the City's usable reservoir storage drops to 100 days or less, a situation that was approached late last week. Like many cities in North and South Carolina, Greensboro has moved progressively through more restrictive water restrictions in order to preserve dwindling supplies in the face of a historic drought. Low reservoir storage becomes even more critical entering the months of September and October, when stream flows are traditionally low.

With continued conservation by residents and average or better rainfall during September, Williams feels Greensboro might avoid Stage 3 restrictions this fall. However, even with recent rains, stored water volumes are well below normal and leave Greensboro vulnerable to a dry winter. As of late last week, less than half of storage volume remained, a very precarious position in late August. "Only through mandatory restrictions, water purchases from neighboring communities, and the outstanding cooperation of Greensboro residents," says Williams, "was the City able to keep this volume on hand."

"The Water Resources Department shares in the relief that all of Greensboro must feel this Labor Day weekend," Williams says. "While Stage 2B restrictions remain in effect (no use of sprinklers or irrigation systems) residents will, in all likelihood, be able to use hand held hoses or drip irrigation systems for watering fall plantings."

For further information, contact Allan Williams, Director of Water Resources, at 545-5546 or 430-6230.