RALEIGH, N.C. — Businesses that are dependent on the use of water, such as pool and spa installers, are exempt from Raleigh's Stage 2 mandatory water restrictions, the City Council unanimously decided Tuesday.

City water customers, however, are still under the water measures, enacted Nov. 2, until Falls Lake, Raleigh's main water supply, is fully replenished. As of Tuesday, Falls Lake was at 249.11 feet, or 2.39 feet below the water supply pool's full level of 251.5 feet.

In December, the Council lifted some restrictions on businesses, such as power washers and construction companies, which require water to operate

Raleigh officials imposed the current restrictions when Falls Lake was critically low -- at its lowest point since a summer drought in 2002.

Under Stage 2 restrictions, first-time violators can be fined $200; a second offense can result in a $1,000 fine; and a third offense will result in water service being shut off.

With Stage 2 restrictions in place, city water customers are allowed to water their lawns only twice a week: Tuesdays and Saturdays for properties with odd-numbered addresses and on Wednesday and Sundays for even-numbered addresses.