Mandatory Water Restrictions Take Effect In Fayetteville

Posted 12:18 p.m. Jul 15, 2002 — Updated 12:18 p.m. Jul 15, 2002

FAYETTEVILLE, NC — The Fayetteville Public Works Commission announced Monday that it will impose mandatory water conservation measures starting July 15.

The mandatory measures are the first ever for Fayetteville and are similar to those in other drought affected areas of the state.

"We want people to just have a heightened awareness that this is a very serioussituation," said Carolyn Justice-Hinson of the Fayetteville Public Works Commission.

The move is in response to the ongoing drought and its impact on the Cape Fear River Basin region. The PWC gets its water from the Cape Fear River, which is fed by Jordan Lake.

The North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources has asked affected communities to implement mandatory restrictions until the water crisis is resolved.

"We want the Jordan Lake to return to normal levels so that we don't have a supply issue," Justice-Hinson said.

The following mandatory guidelines apply to water customers on the PWC system in Cumberland County and a small portion of Hoke County:

Limit outdoor water use to water only when and where necessary. If outdoor watering is necessary, PWC customers must use the Odd/Even alternate day watering schedule for lawns, grass, shurbbery, trees, flower or vegetable gardens. People with odd-numbered addresses should water only on odd-numbered calendar days and people with even-numbered addresses should water only on even-numbered calendar days.

Washing vehicles or any other type of mobile equipment is permitted only at commercial car washes.

It is prohibited to use water to wash down streets, driveways, and the exteriors of other private or commercial properties.

It is unlawful to introduce water into any ornamental fountain or pond.

It is unlawful to use water from public or private fire hydrants for any purpose other than putting out a fire or other public emergency or water department need.

The PWC said residents are not allowed to wash vehicles parked on grass and the outdoor washing of pets should be limited.

Anyone who failes to comply with the regulations could be subject to stiff penalties. After a first warning, violators could face up to $1,000 in penalties per violation. Termination of water services is also possible.

"We don't want to be the water police. We really want people to be educated and control their usage," Justice-Hinson said.

PWC employees will be on the lookout for violators. The public can also report violations by calling (910) 483-1382.

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