Local News
Creedmoor Takes Hard Line to Face Dry Times
Creedmoor commissioners voted Wednesday for tough mandatory water restrictions in the face of a very short water supply.
Posted — UpdatedCREEDMOOR, N.C. — City commissioners in Creedmoor turned off the water taps on several activities Wednesday night and asked residents to do everything they can not to use water as the city turns to neighboring systems for its supply.
Watering is out, whether for lawns or gardens. Washing cars is out, and car washes will have to shut down during the emergency. Restaurant waiters will be bringing water to tables only on request.
Lake Rogers usually provides water for Creedmoor's 2,300 residents, but Mayor Darryl Moss points to a water level that is down 24 inches because of the lack of rain.
“The average depth for Lake Rogers is 4 to 6 feet, depending on where you are. So, when you lose 2 feet, it's pretty bad,” Moss said.
Creedmoor shut down its water plant, which was pulling in sediment as well as water as the lake became shallower. The town is purchasing about 300,000 gallons of water a day from the South Granville Water and Sewer Authority in Butner.
The water situation is so dire straits, the city provided for a $50 fine for violations when the Board of Commissioners approved the emergency resolution.
With water so scarce, restaurants have to change the way they do business.
“You have to stay after employees to make sure they don't leave a faucet running or, when you're washing dishes, do a pile in one shot,” business owner Fibi Elmenshawi said.
“Like everyone else, we are praying for rain. We need many, many days of rain to help fill the lake back up. When that happens, obviously, the problem will be fixed,” Moss said.
Initially, city officials were considering asking residents to change their shower habits, but Moss decided not to include that provision.
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