INC NEWS - Durham Eases Water Restrictions

[RW Pickle]

Press release from the City.
RWP
27 Beverly
_________________________________________________

Allowing Outdoor Watering - Sets Triggers for Return to More Stringent
Measures

Durham, N.C. – With both of the City of Durham’s water supply lakes now
full, the City is easing restrictions and returning to Stage III Mandatory
Conservation of the Water Conservation Ordinance, allowing for limited
outdoor watering two days a week – Wednesdays and Saturdays, effective
immediately.

Thanks to a series of rain events since the beginning of the year, both of
Durham’s water supply lakes have completely refilled, up from a low of 11
percent capacity on December 23, 2007.  Lake Michie has water flowing over
the dam and is completely full at 341 feet Mean Sea Level (MSL)
elevation.  Little River Reservoir also has water flowing over the dam and
is completely full at 355 MSL elevation. 

With current use at almost 20 million gallons per day (MGD), the City has
a total of 321 days of water supply in Lake Michie and Little River.  This
total assumes no change in demand, no additional rainfall and zero stream
flows, and does not include Teer Quarry or the City’s Jordan Lake
allotment. 

While full lakes and lower water use offer some degree of comfort to relax
restrictions from the previous Stage IV Severe Mandatory Conservation,
City Manager Patrick Baker said it is important that the City set clear
triggers that will move the City to tighten restrictions again.  “Since
our stream flows are still lower than normal and higher usage months are
right around the corner, we need to be cautious about rolling back
restrictions, and clear about when we will not hesitate to tighten them
again,” he said.

“Given our experience last year, there’s a new normal for the City.  For
that reason, our future triggers for tightening restrictions, if
necessary, over the summer months of May through September when water use
is at its highest, will put us well ahead of where we were with comparable
lake capacities during the same period last year,” Baker said.

Triggers, which will be based on premium water supply (water above the
intakes) in City lakes, are as follows:
*	If capacity remains above 80 percent, the City will restrict outdoor
watering to two days per week, Stage III.  (Compared to last year,
capacity had fallen to 40 percent when the City moved to Stage III in
September.)

*	When capacity falls to 80 percent, the City will restrict outdoor
watering to one day per week, a modified version of Stage III.  (Compared
to last year, capacity was at 27 percent when the City restricted watering
to one day per week in October.)
*	When capacity falls to 50 percent, the City will not allow outdoor
watering, and will move to Stage IV Severe Mandatory Conservation.
(Compared to last year, capacity was at 14 percent when the City moved to
Stage IV in December.)

Baker said that there is still a need to ensure that the citizens make
conservation a lifestyle change.  “As we move forward, we still need our
customers to make water efficiency a year-round habit and continue to
conserve wherever they can,” he said.  “With ongoing conservation and
these restriction triggers in place, Durham will be much better prepared
to withstand another record drought should that occur this summer.”

Stage III Restrictions allow Durham customers to water outdoor landscapes
on Wednesdays and Saturdays ONLY, either between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m. OR 5
p.m. and 8 p.m.  Customers may only water during ONE of the allowed times
each Wednesday and Saturday, and should be careful to avoid excessive
run-off or water waste. 

Additional Stage III Restrictions include:

·         City water may not be used to wash down outside areas such as
sidewalks, patios or driveways, except where a health or safety issue may
exist.

·         City water may not be served at a restaurant except upon request
by the customer.

·         City water may not be used to wash the exterior of a motor
vehicle except where a private well system is used, or where 50 percent or
more of the water is recycled or where it can be demonstrated that 30
gallons of water or less are used to wash the vehicle.

·         City water may not be added into a decorative fountain, pool, or
pond except where the water is recycled.

Athletic turf is eligible for special consideration within the modified
Stage III Mandatory Conservation Measures since athletic fields must be
maintained in order to ensure player safety.  Institutions that use
athletic turf, along with other industrial, manufacturing and commercial
customers, may apply for a written license from the city manager to use
water contrary to the modified Stage III restrictions if they can
demonstrate a reduction in usage of 30 percent or more.  Special
consideration may also be given for one-time draining, refilling,
maintenance, and cleaning activities for both community and private pools.
 Licenses will not be granted for installation of new sod or other
water-intensive landscaping. 

The City will continue to use reclaimed water where feasible, for uses
such as landscape irrigation, street sweeping, and filling of decorative
water fountains, and encourages customers to do the same. 

City staff will continue to closely monitor lake levels, stream flows,
precipitation and usage as Durham moves into the warmer months.  Customers
can review information and water efficiency tips on the City’s Web site at
www.durhamnc.gov or call (919) 560-4381. 

About the Department of Water Management
The City’s Department of Water Management is responsible for the operation
and maintenance of Durham's water supply, water treatment and water
reclamation (wastewater treatment) facilities, the collection and
distribution systems (including meter reading) and customer billing
services.  For more information on this department, visit the City’s Web
site at www.durhamnc.gov/departments/wm.