Effective immediately, the City of Greensboro is altering its mandatory water restrictions based on improving water supply conditions.  Water restrictions will go from Mandatory Stage IIB to Mandatory Stage IIA.  A full description of these stages can be found in Chapter 29.5 of the Greensboro Code of Ordinances and customers can find a summary of the current stage at   http://www.greensboro-nc.gov/departments/Water ; the basic difference is that broadcast irrigation (sprinkler systems and hose end sprinklers) will be allowed one day per week, and home car washing is allowed.  The one day per week that Greensboro residents can use sprinklers is the day of garbage service; commercial and customers outside the city may use sprinklers on Wednesday.
Much of the Southeast remains in a drought of varying severity and the vulnerability of different city’s water supplies depends on many factors.  The La Nina effect that is responsible for the dry winter is likely to remain in place for several months and the long period of extremely dry conditions has depressed streamflows well below normal at all times between rain events.  However, recent rains, reduced consumption, purchased water from other cities, and the ability to augment the City’s supply with transfer from the Haw River have lifted lake volumes to over 90% of full and streamflow is continuing to raise levels.  Based on the experience of the City during the drought of 2001-2002, and the connection to Burlington and the augmentation with the Haw River, Water Resources staff has recommended the relaxation as safe at this time. 

Allan Williams, Director of Water Resources, said “Our customers have paid for many improvements to their water system that have and will continue to provide safety and reserves that our department manages.  We feel it creates an undue hardship to residents to not allow the one day per week irrigation that will help in spring planting.”  However, he goes on to caution customers that irrigation should only be employed when necessary so as to keep demand down.  The drought is not over and should demands increase or natural conditions deteriorate the change in stages can be altered.  Williams goes on to add, “We understand customers’ desire to use irrigation water but will always keep the safety of the City’s water supply as a first priority.” City Manager Mitchell Johnson said “We are very pleased to offer this change and we sincerely appreciate the outstanding cooperation we have received from customers in this and past drought events.”

Allan Williams, Director of Water Resources (373-2050) or Steve Drew, Water Supply Manager (373-5855) will be available as a contact.  Lavelle Donnell, Water Education Program Coordinator (373-4601) will also be available to offer details of water conservation methods citizens and businesses can use.