Contact: LaVelle Donnell (336) 373-4601
Allan Williams (336) 373-2050
Steve Drew (336) 373-7893

 
City Implements Mandatory Water Restrictions
Sprinkler Use is Limited to One Day per Week

GREENSBORO, NC -- August 22, 2007 -- Effective Monday, August 27, the City of Greensboro will enact Stage IIA – Level I Warning mandatory water restrictions.

Under these restrictions, irrigation by sprinkler is allowed only one day per week. Residents may use sprinklers to water their lawns or gardens on their garbage collection day. Those who do not have City garbage collection or who have multiple weekly pick-ups, may water only on Wednesdays. Watering by hand-held hoses, containers, or drip irrigation is allowed any day of the week. 

Penalties for violation of the restrictions are as follows: 
    • Residential Penalties: first offense, warning; second offense, $100; subsequent offenses, $200 
    • Non-Residential Penalties: first offense, $200; second offense $500; subsequent offenses, $1,000.

Greensboro’s Water Conservation and Restriction Plan provides for mandatory restrictions when the water supply drops to 150 days.

“With the continued high water demand and below normal rainfall, we have reached 150 days’ supply in our reservoirs,” said Allan Williams, director of the City’s Water Resources Department. “Although we had hoped to avoid mandatory water restrictions, long-range forecasts don’t show substantial likelihood of rain, and it is necessary to impose restrictions at this time.”

Williams said several factors have contributed to the current drought and reduced water supply. Since May 1, Greensboro, Charlotte, and Greenville have had the least amount of rain to date of any year on record. In addition, August will be the hottest month on record for Greensboro ever.
 
To help ensure an adequate supply of water, the City is purchasing 10 million gallons of water per day from other cities. However, residents and businesses are encouraged to further reduce their water consumption beyond the measures required under the current restriction. Conservation tips are available on the City’s website at www.greensboro-nc.gov/water.

Stage IIA – Level I Warning mandatory restrictions will remain in effect for at least 30 days unless conditions worsen and further restrictions are needed.

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The City of Greensboro exists to partner with the community to build an increased quality of life for Greensboro. Critical to the City of Greensboro’s success is building public trust, maintaining a work environment which fosters employee commitment to public service, and making a difference in the lives of our citizens. The City of Greensboro has a dedicated professional staff of more than 2500 employees poised to implement aggressive programs and policies that deliver on its four core values of honesty, integrity, stewardship, and respect.