Water restrictions expanded

NEW HANOVER COUNTY — In an effort to continue conservation of precious drinking water supplies, the New Hanover County Water and Sewer District has extended its Conservation Alert to all customers outside the city limits of Wilmington. North Carolina’s statewide drought shows no immediate signs of relief.

Water customers in the Airport Water System are under Stage 2 Mandatory Water Conservation Measures. The Airport Water System purchases water from the city of Wilmington which imposed mandatory restrictions last month. Water and Sewer District water customers in the New Hanover County, Kings Grant, Flemington and Monterey Heights water systems should obey the following Stage 1 water conservation measures:

• Properties with even-numbered addresses may irrigate lawns between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m., Mondays and Thursdays. Properties with odd-numbered addresses may irrigate between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m., Tuesdays and Fridays.
• Watering lawns, shrubbery, trees, flower and vegetable gardens by hand-held hose, container, or drip irrigation system is permitted at any time. A person who regularly sells plants will be permitted to use water on their commercial stock. State, county and city licensed landscape contractors may water by hand held hose or drip irrigation any plants under a written warranty.

In addition to the irrigation restrictions, residents should always use water wisely by following these conservation practices:

• Inspect and repair all faulty and defective parts of faucets and toilets.
• Use the shower for bathing rather than bathtub and limit showers to no more than five minutes.
• Do not leave faucets running while shaving, brushing teeth, rinsing or preparing food.
• Limit the use of clothes washers and dishwashers and when used, operate with full loads.
• Limit vehicle washing.
• Do not wash down outside areas such as sidewalks, driveways, patios, etc.
• Install water saving shower heads and other devices.
• Use disposable and biodegradable dishes where possible.
• Limit hours of water-cooled air conditioners.
• Do not fill swimming or wading pools.

This alert does not include the use of private well systems and affects only New Hanover county Water and Sewer District Water Customers. Residents of Wilmington and beach communities and customers of private utility systems should continue to obey local restrictions.

Visit www.wateruseitwisely.com for more ways to save water.