Special to IFN

The Catawba-Wateree Drought Management Advisory Group (CW-DMAG) announced Thursday that extremely dry weather conditions have placed the Catawba-Wateree River Basin in Stage 1 of the group’s Low Inflow Protocol, which sets priorities for all water users to follow to conserve the limited water supply during a drought. As a result, the advisory group has requested voluntary water conservation by all water users across the basin, including the Town of Mooresville.

In Stage 1, Duke Energy’s hydroelectric facilities are in the first phase of operational adjustments. Stage 1 is the second of five drought stages outlined in the protocol and it requests voluntary water conservation across the basin.

In response to drought conditions in the region, Duke Energy is requesting that users that withdraw water from the Catawba-Wateree lakes for irrigation voluntarily limit watering to Tuesdays and Saturdays and only use the minimum amount of water necessary.

Town of Mooresville residents can also play a role in helping conserve water by avoiding the watering of yards and plants between sunrise and sunset, taking shorter showers, running full loads of laundry and dishes, and limiting vehicle washing and power washing of exterior surfaces.

Due to below-average rainfall since last September, water storage in the 11 reservoirs of the Catawba-Wateree River Basin has decreased and stream flows that feed the reservoirs are well below normal.

The CW-DMAG was established in 2006 to monitor drought status and to recommend coordinated actions for its members. CW-DMAG members include the area’s public water suppliers and several large industrial users that withdraw water from the river and lake system, North Carolina and South Carolina resource agencies, other federal agencies and Duke Energy.

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Town of Mooresville residents with questions about voluntary water use restrictions may call 704-663-7282.