Mandatory Outdoor Water Usage Restrictions In Effect for All Iredell Water Customers

Statesville, North Carolina.  April 14:  Due to extreme drought and a lack of rain in long-range forecasts, Iredell Water is issuing Stage II mandatory water restrictions for all its customers until further notice.  They involve significant limits on outdoor use, including an odd/even watering schedule.  Non-essential uses, such as washing cars and filling pools, are prohibited. 

The quality of the drinking water has not been affected.  The restrictions only involve the water supply levels.

According to the North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council (DMAC), extreme drought is impacting more than a dozen counties in the state, including Iredell County, with nearly 80 counties experiencing severe drought.  While cooler weather kept water use lower and delayed the need for restrictions, the upcoming combination of warmer weather and lack of forecasted rain makes the restrictions necessary.

The goal of the restrictions is to reduce overall water use by 10% to try to maintain adequate water pressure throughout the system to maintain service, and ensure fire protection capabilities.  Without a reduction in use, more severe restrictions may be required.

ALL IREDELL WATER CUSTOMERS ARE UNDER THE FOLLOWING RESTRICTIONS.  Outdoor water use is significantly limited, and customers are asked to be mindful of their indoor use:

Lawn irrigation will be restricted to one overnight period per week based on an odd/even schedule, with no daytime watering allowed.

Irrigation Schedule:

• Odd-numbered addresses: Saturday 8:00 PM – Sunday 8:00 AM
• Even-numbered and unnumbered addresses: Sunday 8:00 PM – Monday 8:00 AM

Several non-essential uses of water are prohibited, including:

• Washing driveways, sidewalks, patios, parking lots, and other outdoor surfaces
• Residential car washing 
• Filling or refilling of swimming pools using hydrants or other bulk water sources is prohibited. Pool filling through an active residential or commercial metered service connection is permitted. (Topping off is allowed as needed)
• Operating ornamental fountains or ponds not required to sustain aquatic life
• Using potable water for dust control or construction purposes
• Flushing of hydrants or water mains except to maintain safety, water quality, and regulatory compliance.

At the same time, certain uses will still be allowed, including hand watering of plants, drip irrigation, normal indoor water use, and commercial car washes where applicable.

In addition, Iredell Water customers are asked to take the following steps to prevent water waste inside and outside of their homes:

• Repair all known leaks
• Limit lawn and garden watering to only what is necessary for plant survival
• Avoid running faucets unnecessarily while shaving or rinsing dishes
• Use dishwashers and washing machines only when fully loaded
• Take shorter showers and limit unnecessary indoor water use
• Reuse water where possible for plants and landscaping
• Use hoses with shut-off nozzles when watering
• Limit operation of water-cooled equipment where applicable.

Iredell Water would like to thank our customers in advance for their assistance during this drought, and we hope for changes in the forecast that will bring much-needed rain.