Hillsborough Passes Stage 6 Water Restrictions

stage six

Tuesday night.

Hillsborough

Lake Orange, the town's primary water supply, has been dropping about an inch a day and is at 30 percent capacity.

The town said it will enact tougher restrictions if the lake falls four more inches. Stage six restrictions could take effect later this week or early next week.

The Hillsborough Town Board adopted the proposed restrictions with three changes to its original draft.

The use of disposable plates, cups and utensils at restaurants was changed to a recommendation only. An additional recommendation forcustomers to wash with full loads only in their clothes washing machines was included, and a word was changed in the Town Code to keep "rationing" as a possible future measure.

Moore County

Leaders in Moore County are easing up on water restrictions.Restaurants no longer have to use disposable plates, cups and utensils.

Town leaders are still asking restaurants to keep water consumption to half of normal use.

Apex:

In Apex, watering lawns with automated systems or sprinklers attached to hoses is banned beginning Tuesday. Only hand watering using a hose or bucket is allowed.

Apex leaders adopted the more

stringent restrictions

last week. Residents have cut down on water use, but the town has not reached the 20 percent reduction called for by Gov. Mike Easley.

Morrisville

Watering will be much more restricted in Morrisville after Monday night's town board meeting. After Sept. 2, automated systems may be used only one day a week. Even numbered addresses will be allowed to water only on Saturday and odd numbered homes can water only on Sunday.

Residents may water any time on those days from midnight to midnight. The new plan will be effective at least until Oct. 31.

After warnings and three fines, owners of automated lawn watering systems in Morrisville may have those systems cut off by the town. Hand watering and car washing continues unrestricted.