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

City of Greensboro Implements Next Level
of Mandatory Water Restrictions

GREENSBORO, NC – (October 3, 2007) -- Effective Tuesday, October 9, the City of Greensboro will enact Stage IIB – Level II Warning mandatory water restrictions. Under these restrictions, watering is only allowed with a hand-held hose, container or drip irrigation system. Car washing is only allowed at commercial car wash facilities. Washing outside areas such as streets, sidewalks, parking lots, buildings, and homes is not permitted, unless done by a licensed commercial pressure washer.

For a complete list of restrictions for this stage, visit www.greensboro-nc.gov/water.

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 125 days. “Although we have not reached the 125 day threshold, mitigating conditions along with long-range forecasts don’t show substantial likelihood of rain, and it is necessary to impose the next stage of restrictions at this time,” said Allan Williams, director of the City’s Water Resources Department.

Several factors have contributed to the current statewide drought and reduced water supply. August was the hottest month on record, producing low stream flows and creating unseasonably low water levels in the reservoirs. Five million people in North Carolina are currently under voluntary or mandatory water restrictions.

To help ensure an adequate supply of water, the City is continuing to purchase water from other cities. Residents and businesses are encouraged to 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/conserve.

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About the City of Greensboro: The City works with the community to improve the quality of life for residents through inclusion, diversity, and trust. As the seventh largest employer in Greensboro, the City has a professional staff of 2,800 employees who maintain the values of honesty, integrity, stewardship, and respect. The City is governed by a council-manager form of government with a mayor and eight council members.  For more information on the City, visit www.greensboro-nc.gov or call 373-CITY (2489).