BY RON SMITH

We know no one likes being told what they can and cannot do. Truth is, we don’t want to be the water police either.

But right now, we’re in a Stage D3 Extreme Drought, and this isn’t optional. This is about protecting the water we all depend on for drinking, fire protection, and public health. Beginning on May 4 at 8 a.m., water restrictions will be enforced. This includes fines for continued violations.

So why are we here? The N.C. Drought Management Advisory Council is a group of experts who monitor conditions across the state. They look at rainfall, stream levels, and weather patterns to determine how severe drought conditions are. When those conditions reach extreme levels, like they have now, they advise communities like ours to act. State law requires every public water system to have a Water Shortage Response Plan and to follow it during drought conditions. We are following that plan to protect our water supply for this community.

To maintain a stable water supply, these measures will protect that supply during extreme drought conditions and ensure it remains reliable for the future.

We’ve also heard concerns about how growth and new development may impact our water supply. The restrictions in place today are based on current drought conditions and are required under state guidelines. They are not tied to any one project or type of development, but to the need to protect the water available to our community right now.

What does this mean for you? It means outdoor water use is limited. Watering lawns, washing vehicles at home, and filling pools are restricted. There are some limited exceptions, such as watering trees and planting beds during designated overnight hours, but overall, the expectation is to reduce water use wherever possible.

At the same time, this is not about limiting your everyday, essential use of water. You can and should continue doing the things you do every day, like showering, washing clothes, cooking, and cleaning.

This is about cutting back on non-essential outdoor use and being a little more mindful indoors. Small changes like fixing leaks, turning off the water while brushing your teeth, running full loads, and taking shorter showers can make a real difference.

These restrictions apply to all customers, including city facilities. If you are using a private well and are not connected to the city’s water system, these restrictions do not apply to you. If you have a unique situation, you may request a variance, which will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

I understand that this is inconvenient and that it impacts daily routines. But these measures are in place to ensure we have enough water for essential needs and to help avoid more serious issues down the line.

Our goal is not enforcement. Our goal is conservation. We’re asking everyone to do their part so we can protect this resource for the entire community.

LEARN MORE

For full details, including the complete list of restrictions and information on variances, please visit the city website – www.statesvillenc.net.

Ron Smith is the city manager for the City of Statesville.