Raleigh still enforcing water restrictions

Raleigh, N.C. — The state is recovering from the drought, but city officials are still out enforcing water regulations.

More than 40 Raleigh water customers were cited for violations this week and charged $200 fines – the cost for a first offense.

"We do have to enforce the regulations," said Don Casterlin, a code enforcement inspector for the city.

"The second time you're caught, it's $1,000. The third violation, your water is shut off," he said. "They are serious consequences, but it's a serious situation. We've got to conserve our water supply."

The City Council voted to return to Stage I water conservation measures in April, and water customers are permitted to use irrigation one weekday per week and one weekend day to water their lawns.

For odd-numbered addresses, sprinklers are allowed on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Even-numbered addresses can use them Wednesdays and Sundays. Automatic irrigation systems can be used between midnight and 10 a.m. Hose-end sprinklers are allowed from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 6 p.m. to 10pm.

Watering with a handheld hose is allowed anytime.