Mayors Ask Water Customers to Cut Back

The mayors of towns on the Raleigh water system are asking customers to install low-flow devices and to gather rain in barrels as the next step in the drought.

In a letter dated Feb. 12, the mayors remind water customers of the Stage 2 restrictionswhich kick in on Friday and ask for even stricter conservation measures.

According to the letter, violations will carry a $1,000 fine for the first offense and the possibility of service interruption for subsequent offenses.

The mayors go beyondthe Stage 2 limits on watering outdoors and ask that all businesses and residents on the water system install low-flow shower heads and faucet restrictors by March 1 and  use rain barrels for watering of shrubs, flowers or vegetables.

The City of Raleigh is selling 80- and 60-gallon rain barrels at the City’s Solid Waste Services office at 400 W. Peace St., from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

"The water conservation measures that we have taken so far have helped a lot," the letter concludes.

"The current average use is down substantially since mandatory restrictions were implemented."