DECLARATION
OF STAGE 3 MANDATORY WATER RESTRICTIONS
(October
8, 2007)
The continued lack of
rainfall in the North Carolina Piedmont, combined with continued warm
weather, has led the US Drought Monitor of North Carolina to declare that
the drought in this area has reached “Exceptional Drought” status. This
is the most severe condition in their classification system. Likewise,
other water indicators in the Catawba River Basin such as streamflows,
groundwater levels and water volumes stored in the lakes on the Catawba
have continued to decline. Because of these conditions, Duke Power, who
is responsible for managing the lakes on the river, has declared the
entire basin to be in a Stage 3 level for water restrictions.
Lincoln County hereby
announces declaration of Stage 3 Water Shortage Conditions for customers
of the Lincoln County Water System. Stage 3 Water Shortage, as defined in
the Lincoln County Water Conservation Ordinance, indicates the need to
reduce consumption by an amount of 10% to 20% from a normal level. By
taking action now and reducing demand on the water system, we hope to
avoid imposing more severe water use restrictions in the future.
Upon the declaration of a
Stage 3 Water Shortage Condition, and until such time as the declaration
of water shortage has been rescinded, it shall be unlawful for any person
or entity to use or permit the use of water from the Lincoln County Water
System for any of the following purposes:
(a) to water lawns, grass,
shrubbery, trees, flowers, or vegetable gardens; however, shrubbery,
trees, flowers or vegetable gardens may be watered by use of a hand-held
hose with an automatic cut-off;
(b) to fill newly
constructed swimming or wading pools or to refill existing swimming or
wading pools which have been drained;
(c) to operate or induce
water into any ornamental fountain, pool, pond, or other structure making
similar use of water (except as otherwise provided below);
(d) to wash automobiles,
trucks, trailers, boats, airplanes, or any other type of mobile equipment,
including commercial washing (unless water is recycled);
(e) to wash down outside
areas such as streets, driveways, service station aprons, parking lots,
patios, office buildings, or exteriors or windows of buildings, including
residential and commercial construction, or to use water for other similar
purposes;
(f) to use water from fire
hydrants for any purpose other than firefighting or other public
emergency;
(g) to serve drinking water
in restaurants, cafeterias, or other food establishments, except upon
request;
(h) to operate water‑cooled
air conditioners or other equipment that does not recycle cooling water,
except when health and safety are adversely affected; or
(i) to use water for any
unnecessary purpose or to intentionally waste water.
Uses of water (including
birdbaths and garden ponds or pools) that serve pets, livestock, or other
animals are exempted from these restrictions.
As stated above, the goal for
a Stage 3 Water Shortage Condition is to reduce water usage by 10% to 20%
from a normal level.
Due to the long-range
forecasts of a drier than normal winter it is strongly suggested that any
planned seeding or rehabilitation of lawns be postponed until the water
restrictions have eased. Residents of Lincoln County should be aware that
it is expected to be several months before conditions will be able to
recover from the situation we currently face.
As a reminder, in an effort
to encourage conservation of water during the drought, Lincoln County
Public Works has doubled the billing rate charged for all usage (household
or irrigation) over 10,000 gallons per month. This means that you will be
billed $11.44 for each additional 1000 gallons over 10,000 gallons per
month. Also, Lincoln County Public Works Staff will also be assessing
penalties to customers whom they observe violating the Stage 3
Restrictions. The penalty is $50.00 for a first infraction, $250.00 for a
second infraction, and $500.00 for a third infraction. Continued
violation of the restrictions noted in this press release may result in
termination of service as provided in the Ordinance.
Lincoln County Public Works
appreciates the sacrifices already being made by our customers to help us
endure the drought. By working together to conserve our valuable water
resources, we can insure an adequate water supply until the drought is
broken.
Drought indicators and demand
on our water system will continue to be monitored by the County, and the
public will be notified of any changes in the water shortage conditions.
Please call Lincoln County Public Works at 704-736-8497 if you have
questions.
October 8, 2007
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Burning Restrictions
(8/20/2007)
Lincoln County Fire
Marshal’s Office has implemented a complete burning ban
in all of Lincoln County until water restrictions are lifted by the
Lincoln County Public Utilities. There
will be no open flames, no burning of leaves or trash, or any type of
burning. No burning within 100 ft. of an
occupied structure.
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