CFPUA reminding customers to watch water usage at night

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) – CFPUA customers remain under mandatory water restrictions while a water main is being repaired in Riegelwood.

Since Tuesday, between the hours of midnight and 2 p.m., water demand is down 1.3 million gallons.

The CFPUA says numbers show people are reducing their water usage during the day, but evening water usage is cutting into their early success.

CFPUA spokesman Mike McGill asks that customers watch their water usage at night. Cut the water wastage with cooking, cleaning, and washing of hands and dishes.  No baths, with one-third shorter showers.  One-third less use of washers and dishwashers.  And yes, one-third less use of toilets.

 McGill says repairs will last into the first part of next week. That means restrictions will likely continue into the first part of next week but a final assessment will be made later this weekend.

The repair effort involves the construction of a bypass line around the break location.  Because of the difficult soil conditions, flooding, and high water table, the repair is requiring significant site preparation to ensure worker safety, which extends the timeframe for the repair.

McGill says because CFPUA has additional sources of water, we are not in a state of emergency.  However, those additional sources are limited, making water conservation throughout our service area a top priority for everyone.

Water quality remains unaffected at this time.  However, if the level of water in the system drops to less than what is manageable, then a precautionary boil water advisory (PBWA) may be issued for a significant portion of our water system.