Voluntary water restrictions have been removed for Hillsborough water customers due to recent rains.

Hillsborough Mayor Jenn Weaver signed a proclamation on February 13 ending the voluntary restrictions, which were established in September. These restrictions urged customers to reduce their water use by 10%.

An expansion project to the West Fork Eno Reservoir, which is used by Hillsborough, caused the initial decrease in water levels in 2018.

The expansion involved adding a new spillway to the reservoir, which would increase the dam’s overflow capacity. But, lack of significant rain following construction during the summer and fall months delayed refilling the reservoir to its original level.

The West Fork Eno Reservoir at full capacity can hold 786 million gallons of water, which is enough for the town to use for an entire year. The town established voluntary water restrictions in September of 2019 when Eno River’s average flow had fallen below 10 cubic feet per second for seven consecutive days.

This meant the town could not freely withdraw as much water from the reservoir as it needed to support normal operations and customer use. The Eno reservoir is the main source of the town’s raw water, which is treated and distributed for drinking.

Since restrictions were implemented in September, the town’s reservoir has now reached its original pool elevation of 43 feet. Its water level had been lowered about 4 to 5 feet before construction started on the spillway expansion in April of 2018. The Town of Hillsborough says once a related roads project is complete, the West Fork Eno Reservoir will be allowed to fill to its new, increased depth of 53 feet.

“By the end of this year, the reservoir should be able to be raised to its Phase II pool level, nearly doubling its capacity and proving a sustainable supply of water for town customers,” Hillsborough Utilities Director Marie Strandwitz said. “Thank you to all who helped conserve.”

For more information on the spillway and lifted water restrictions, visit the town website.

(Photo courtesy of the Town of Hillsborough)

Related Stories
‹
Hillsborough: Hog Day Recap, Burwell School, Elizabeth Keckley, Town History
Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bell spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, September 22, discussing town news and events. He recapped this past weekend's Hog Day festivities. He also talked about the recent name change for the Burwell School, which led to a broader discussion of town history, and more.
On Air Today: Katharine Whalen and Eryk Pruitt on 24 Hours in Hillsborough
Katherine Whalen of Katherine Whalen's Jazz Squad and Eryk Pruitt of Yonder Southern Cocktails and Brew spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Thursday, September 17. They discussed Eryk's recent column 24 Hours In Hillsborough: Off the Beaten Path, which includes several recommendations for things to do in Hillsborough. Katherine discussed highlights of the Hillsborough music scene, including Thursday night jazz at Yonder. They discussed other upcoming events, including a terrarium workshop hosted by Andrew, and more.
Hillsborough: Town Board Reconvenes, Hog Day, Community Survey
Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bell spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, September 8. He discussed the closure of a longtime downtown business and the general state of local businesses in the downtown area. He also previewed next week’s meeting of the Hillsborough Board of Commissioners, as they begin their regular fall meeting schedule. He also previewed upcoming events, and more.
The Morning News: CHCCS Mandarin Program, Hillsborough Community Survey, UNC Football
In today's news: the Chapel Hill-Carrboro school board meets this Thursday, with the Mandarin program tops on the agenda.
Hillsborough: Dual Supply and Downtown Businesses, Board Meeting Preview, and More
Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bell spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, September 8. He discussed the closure of a longtime downtown business and the general state of local businesses in the downtown area. He also previewed next week's meeting of the Hillsborough Board of Commissioners, as they begin their regular fall meeting schedule. He also previewed upcoming events, and more.
The Morning News: CHCCS Board Vacancy, Bill Belichick Speaks
In today's news: Bill Belichick addresses the media for the first time after new revelations about the investigation of Tar Heel football.
What's Open or Closed on Labor Day? Holiday to Impact Local Government Services
Monday marks the observance of Labor Day, which is meant to celebrate the contribution of workers and employees across the United States. With that, the local governments in Orange County will be giving many of their employees the day off, which will affect certain local government services. Ahead of the holiday on Monday, Sep. 7, […]
Hillsborough's Burwell School Adopts New Name to Honor Enslaved Dressmaker
The name is in honor of Elizabeth Hobbes Keckley, a nationally-renowned seamstress and writer who was enslaved at the site.
'A Beautiful and Lasting Tribute': New Orange County Crisis Diversion Center Named in Jamezetta Bedford's Honor
Jamezetta Bedford's Orange County commissioner colleagues recently dedicated the future crisis diversion facility in her honor and memory.
Dual Supply Hardware Store in Hillsborough Enters Final Sale Ahead of Closing
For seven decades, some iteration of the Dual Supply Co. has sat in downtown Hillsborough. But soon, the local hardware store will close.
›