Voluntary water conservation efforts could soon be in order for the Hendersonville area as drought conditions deepen the supply problems of the area. See some of the suggested mitigation measures below.
From the City of Hendersonville
Press Release
The City of Hendersonville is currently experiencing lower than normal levels in their water supply (Mills River) due to the on-going drought conditions affecting most of North Carolina. If water demand reaches the point where continued or increased demand will equal or exceed the system supply (Mills River) and transmission capabilities, it shall be deemed a water shortage. When demand results in a condition where customers cannot be provided with a water supply adequate to protect their health and safety, the demand on the water supply and/or system must be substantially curtailed to relieve the water shortage.
In accordance with the City’s Water Shortage Response and Conservation ordinance (City Code of Ordinances, Chapter 52, Article VI), the City Manager has declared a Stage I Water Shortage Advisory. “We are currently seeing below normal flow conditions in the Mills River, the City’s primary source of water.”- Lee Smith, Water and Sewer Director.
Stage I water conservation compliance consists of voluntary measures including, but not limited to:
(1) Limit car washing to a minimum;
(2) Limit lawn and garden watering to that which is necessary for plants to survive;
(3) Do not wash down outside areas such as sidewalks, patios, parking lots, service bays, aprons, etc.;
(4) Do not leave faucets running while shaving or rinsing dishes;
(5) Water shrubbery to the minimum required, reusing household water when possible;
(6) Limit use of clothes washers and dishwashers, and when used, operate fully loaded;
(7) Use showers for bathing rather than bathtub and limit showers to no more than four minutes;
(8) Limit flushing of toilets by multiple usage;
(9) The use of disposable and biodegradable dishes is encouraged;
(10) The use of flow restrictive and water saving devices;
(11) Limit hours of operation of water-cooled air conditioners;
(12) All residents, businesses and institutions are requested to temporarily delay new landscape work until the water shortage has ended.
In 2010, the Water Conservation ordinance was reviewed by a task force of local business owners, members of the green industry, large industry, local citizens, a City Council Member, and a City staff member. The task force recommended and the approval was given by City Council to allow more flexibility to businesses and industrial operations that depend on water for their livelihood. In addition the task force developed a water conservation education program that will provide citizens with information on conserving water at home and work. This information can be found on our website.
“These voluntary conservation measures shall remain in effect until either a Stage IIA water shortage, Stage IIB and/or a Stage III water shortage is declared by the City or once the water shortage is declared to be over by the City. The City is researching contingency plans for alternative sources of water for future planning in case of extended drought periods.”- John Connet, City Manager.
For more information please contact Hendersonville Water and Sewer at 697-3073.
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