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."

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Latest Comments

Wouldn't it be better if everyone just let their rain water wash on down the hill to the local stream or pond which will raise the local water tables? This is all TEMPORARY. Next year we wil be looking back on things laughing about all of these stupid rain barrels and people not flushing if it is yellow. For some reason, Raleigh's mayor is seizing onto this water dilemna and not letting go. Has anyone noticed the footage the TV station's use for showing Fall's Lake? It looks likt it is age old tape from last summer. Last time I was out to Falls, the main body looked NOTHING like what you see on tv. Let's everyone relax, save a little water and wait. Spring is right around the corner and so are the down pours that this part of NC is famous for.

BULLDOZER
February 13, 2008 6:11 p.m.

how much are these rain barrels? i am interested in buying some if they are not to much $$

bobdillin123789
February 13, 2008 5:59 p.m.

No worries, just sit back and have a Pepsi. I'll cut back when they cut back.

capitalland
February 13, 2008 5:48 p.m.

I just do not know what else my family and I can do to conserve more. The lawn and plants have not been watered since early Summer. I cannot remember the last time I washed my car. My indoor plants get watered either by being placed outside in the rain or using the overflow from washing dishes. We are down to running the dishwasher once a week versus 3-4 times weekly. We have decreased laundry to 2-3 loads per week versus almost a load daily. We have limited our shower time. And finally are using only 1 toilet and well, you know the phrase..let it mellow, etc.

Lblum
February 13, 2008 5:45 p.m.

I just picked up a load of 55 gal barrels over in Oak Ridge, TN. The government sponsored ad said they were only used once. They look just like the ones being sold in Raleigh. Picked them up real cheap too. Will sacrifice, $5.00 each.

Just a freindly little note to get your attention. Sellers of these so-called "rain barrels" actually claim they're safe to use. Unless you purchase them directly from the manufacturer, you have no guarantee where these barrels have been or what's been in them.