Special to IFN

The City of Statesville is now in a Stage D3 Extreme Drought condition, according to the N.C. Drought Management Advisory Council (NCDMAC). In accordance with the City’s Water Shortage Response Plan, more restrictive water conservation measures are now in effect to reduce overall water usage and protect available water resources.

The following mandatory measures are now in place:

Irrigation Restrictions

Irrigation is prohibited except under limited conditions:

♦ Tree and bed irrigation is allowed by bubble, drip, or hand methods only;
♦ Odd-numbered addresses may be irrigated from 8 p.m. Saturday to 8 a.m. Sunday;
♦ Even numbered and unnumbered addresses may irrigate 8 p.m. Sunday to 8 a.m. Monday; and
♦ Athletic fields and golf course fairways must follow an alternative watering plan approved by the director.

Prohibited Activities

All residential vehicle washing is prohibited.
Outdoor ornamental water use, including fountains and ponds without fish, is prohibited.
Filling swimming pools is prohibited, though top-offs are allowed.
Washing of public buildings, sidewalks, and streets is prohibited except when necessary for safety or public health.
Dust suppression, street washing, and hydrant flushing are prohibited except to maintain safety, water quality, and regulatory compliance.

Residents and businesses are strongly encouraged to reduce all non-essential water use and shift necessary use to early morning or late evening hours.

Businesses and industrial users are encouraged to reduce water use through operational adjustments and to promote water conservation efforts among employees.

Additional voluntary or mandatory measures may be implemented by the director of Public Utilities as needed to achieve water-use reduction goals.

City staff will continue to monitor conditions closely and may implement additional measures if necessary. While civil penalties may be issued for violations, the city staff’s primary goal is voluntary compliance and community cooperation during this critical time.

LEARN MORE

For questions about voluntary water use restrictions, or to submit an alternative watering plan, contact Andy Smith at 704-878-3439. The City’s Water Shortage Response Plan can also be found on the City of Statesville’s website at www.statesvillenc.net/water-resources. Customers with unique circumstances may request a variance through the Public Utilities Department. Variances are considered on a limited, case-by-case basis.