Lincoln County like many other jurisdictions in the North Carolina piedmont has experienced record demand on its water system over the last several weeks. Despite recent rainfall that has occurred in parts of the local area overall lack of sufficient rainfall combined with hot dry weather has led many residents of Lincoln County to increase the practice of using irrigation systems on their lawns. Due to the demand that this places on our water system Lincoln County officials are declaring a Stage 1 Water Shortage for customers of the Lincoln County Water System. A Stage 1 Water Shortage as defined in the Lincoln County Water Conservation Ordinance indicates the need to reduce consumption by an amount of 3 to 5. By reducing demand on the water supply reservoirs before the drought conditions worsen more severe water use restrictions may be avoided.Drought conditions have received a great deal of publicity in the last few weeks. Even though lake levels are in good condition at this time Duke Power has been keeping them at this level artificially by reducing power production. Power production will have to increase as summer temperatures arrive. Several other drought indicators are experiencing significant drops in water levels such as streamflow monitors and groundwater monitors. It is hoped that if everyone makes an effort to reduce water consumption by 3 to 5 at this time future mandatory restrictions can be avoided. We encourage our water customers to observe the following VOLUNTARY WATER CONSERVATION guidelines as outlined in the Ordinancea limit car washing use a hose-end nozzle to avoid wasting water b limit lawn garden and shrubbery watering to the minimum necessary for plants to survive and reuse household water when possible a healthy lawn needs no more than 1 inch of water per week water lawns and shrubbery after 1000 PM or before 600 AM to reduce water losses due to evaporationc eliminate washing down of outside areas such as sidewalks patios parking lots service bays or apronsd eliminate continuous running of water while shaving or rinsing dishese limit the use of washing machines and dishwashers and operate only when fully loaded f use showers instead of bathtubs for bathing and limit showers to no more than four minutes durationg limit flushing of toilets by multiple usage when possibleh limit hours of operation of water cooled air conditioners when possible i use biodegradable andor disposable dishes to save on dishwashing j use flow restriction and other water saving devices where possible andk delay new landscape work until the water shortage has ended. Drought indicators and demand on our water system will continue to be monitored by the County and the public will be notified of any changes in the water shortage conditions. Please call Lincoln County Public Works at 704-736-8497 if you have questions.June 5 2007
