The Town of Hillsborough announced Wednesday it has lifted its water withdrawal restriction against drawing from the Eno River.

The restriction, implemented in September, was the result of a Stage 1 water shortage when the state saw drier than normal conditions in the late summer and early fall. Hillsborough urges town residents to still voluntary continue conserving water to improve the reservoir’s levels.

“Since the voluntary water use restrictions were announced in September,” said Hillsborough Utilities Director Marie Strandwitz, “the reservoir rainfall has measured at 7.6 inches, and its level has observed a net 1.5-foot increase. We still need our customers’ assistance in allowing the reservoir to recharge to its Phase 1 normal level, which is an additional nine or so feet.”

The Hillsborough water system shortage was also impacted by the ongoing construction to expand the West Fork Eno Reservoir, which is currently in Phase II of the project. The reservoir’s level had already been lowered prior to the area’s historically drier months due to construction for the expansion. The reservoir’s existing water level was being maintained about four to five feet lower than normal to accommodate construction, equating to an estimated 88 days less of available capacity.

Hillsborough mayor Tom Stevens spoke WCHL’s Aaron Keck about the shortage and the reservoir’s expansion in October. He shared some practices the town suggested to its residents for water conservation.

“Sometimes we all just habitually run water when we don’t need to,” he said. “When you’re brushing your teeth, wet your toothbrush instead of running the water. If you’re waiting for hot water to come on, capture the cool water instead of letting it run down the sink. Avoid things are not essential, like washing your car or power washing your deck. And this is the time when if you have a leaky faucet or have been meaning to [install new fixtures], now is a good time to go ahead and upgrade so they use less water.”

 

 

 

Related Stories
‹
Despite Restored Water Operations, Town of Hillsborough Faces Extensive Costs From Flooding
While the Town of Hillsborough ended its conservation call for water and sewer customers after flooding damaged and contaminated its treatment plants, the road back to normal operations appears to be long for the small town. Historic rain from Tropical Depression Chantal led to flooding levels not seen for decades in Orange County, with parts […]
Hillsborough's Riverwalk, Gold Park Fully Reopen After Repairs From July's Flooding
Both Hillsborough's Gold Park and Riverwalk Greenway are back open to the public following damages from July’s historic flooding during Tropical Depression Chantal.
Hillsborough Under Boil Water Notice, OWASA Responds to Chapel Hill Wastewater Overflows
Flooding from the Eno River led to the Town of Hillsborough issuing a boil water notice for water and sewer customers until further notice.
Discolored Water is Still Safe, Says Town of Hillsborough
Water in the town of Hillsborough is still safe to drink and use despite temporary discoloration. According to the town, recent storm bursts and low flow in the Eno River likely caused unusually high sediment levels in raw water reaching the treatment plant. Rain stirs up sediment in the town’s water sources, such as the […]
Hillsborough Asks Residents To Be Mindful of Water Use with Reservoir Low
The Town of Hillsborough is asking for residents to continue reducing their water use because of low reservoir levels. The West Fork Eno Reservoir at full capacity can hold 786 million gallons of water, which is enough for an entire year of town use. An expansion project to the West Fork Eno Reservoir, which is […]
Hillsborough to Recognize Mayor Tom Stevens at Board Meeting
Hillsborough’s outgoing mayor Tom Stevens will be recognized Monday night at the town’s Board of Commissioners meeting. Stevens, who chose not to run for an eighth term, has served as mayor since 2005. He said in a conversation with WCHL’s Aaron Keck he takes pride in helping the town’s board and staff work together to […]
Hillsborough Commissioners To Discuss How to Fill Upcoming Vacant Seat
The Hillsborough Board of Commissioners will hold a work session Monday night, where they will discuss filling the vacant seat that will be left by Commissioner Jenn Weaver as she is elected mayor. Weaver is running unopposed in this fall’s election after current mayor Tom Stevens announced he would be stepping down at the end […]
Hydrilla Treatment Underway in Eno
The Town of Hillsborough has begun a treatment called Sonar Genesis to fight the spread of Hydrilla, an invasive water plant found in the Eno River. Hydrilla creates thick mats that coat the surface of the water, impeding on recreational activities and the health of fish and wildlife. According to Hillsborough Mayor Tom Stevens, the […]
Hillsborough Working to Make Water Payment Easier
The town of Hillsborough has had its share of problems with its water payment system. The town introduced the new system, run by FATHOM, in November. Hillsborough Mayor Tom Stevens said there were some problems from the start, like getting an automatic draft set up with residents’ banks. “We’ve certainly had problems with it, and […]
Town of Hillsborough Cancels Contract for License Plate Reader Cameras
The Town of Hillsborough has cancelled a contract with the company Flock Safety for 10 license plate reader cameras around the community, it said in a release Tuesday. The announcement comes after the town’s Board of Commissioners held a closed session Monday night to discuss “data privacy concerns” related to the cameras. Earlier in the […]
›