CITY OF GREENSBORO IMPLEMENTS NEXT LEVEL OF MANDATORY WATER RESTRICTIONS 

GREENSBORO, NC – October 3, 2007 -- Effective Tuesday, October 9, the City of Greensboro will enact Stage IIB – Level II Warning mandatory water restrictions. Under these restrictions, watering is only allowed with a hand-held hose, container or drip irrigation system. Car washing is only allowed at commercial car wash facilities. Washing outside areas such as streets, sidewalks, parking lots, buildings, and homes is not permitted, unless done by a licensed commercial pressure washer. For a complete list of restrictions for this stage, visit www.greensboro-nc.gov/water.
Penalties for violation of the restrictions are as follows:       

·         Residential Penalties: first offense, warning; second offense, $100; subsequent offenses, $200

·         Non-Residential Penalties: first offense, $200; second offense, $500; subsequent offenses, $1,000

Greensboro’s Water Conservation and Restriction Plan provides for mandatory restrictions when the water supply drops to 125 days. “Although we have not reached the 125 day threshold, mitigating conditions along with long-range forecasts don’t show substantial likelihood of rain, and it is necessary to impose the next stage of restrictions at this time,” said Allan Williams, director of the City’s Water Resources Department.

Several factors have contributed to the current statewide drought and reduced water supply. August was the hottest month on record, producing low stream flows and creating unseasonably low water levels in the reservoirs. Five million people in North Carolina are currently under voluntary or mandatory water restrictions.  

To help ensure an adequate supply of water, the City is continuing to purchase water from other cities. Residents and businesses are encouraged to reduce their water consumption beyond the measures required under the current restriction. Conservation tips are available on the City’s website at www.greensboro-nc.gov/conserve.

Contact:   Allan Williams (336) 373-2050

                 Steve Drew (336) 373-7893

                  LaVelle Donnell (336) 373-4601