Hillsborough water customers are being urged to reduce water use by 10 percent amidst a lengthy period without significant rainfall in the area. There is also no strong chance of rain in the current forecast.
The town has “entered a Stage 1 water shortage,” according to a release on Wednesday evening, “which calls for voluntary restrictions.”
Officials said the town has an available water supply for roughly 165 days.
“Mandatory restrictions will be put in place if the supply falls below 135 days.”
Orange County and much of central North Carolina has been undergoing drier than usual conditions in late summer and into the first week of fall. The lack of rainfall has affected how much water the town can withdraw from the Eno River, where the town pulls water from to treat and distribute for drinking.
The shortage is also impacted by the ongoing construction to expand the West Fork Eno Reservoir.
“The reservoir’s existing water level has had to be maintained about 4 to 5 feet lower than normal, equating to an estimated 88 days of less capacity while the Phase II expansion is underway.”
Customers are asked to take steps in an attempt to cut water usage by 10 percent, including shortening showers, flushing toilets only when necessary, using your dishwasher and washing machines only when full and avoiding washing vehicles at home or delaying other projects that are water-use intensive.
The town is also asking those with irrigation systems follow the below guidelines.
Additionally, all customers who have spray irrigation systems should be following the town’s restrictions on use. Under normal conditions, spray irrigation is limited to 1 inch or three application days per week between 8 p.m. and 9 a.m.
- Even-numbered properties may use spray systems on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
- Odd-numbered properties may spray Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
Irrigation systems also must have rain or moisture sensors. In addition for all outdoor water users, the town requires shut-off nozzles for all hoses used for hand watering, car washing, or other allowable outdoor uses.
You can read more here.
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