On Monday, Watering Rules are Tightening

On Monday new water restrictions start for our very dry city. Under the new rules watering is limited to once weekly and car washing is only allowed on weekends. Restaurants wont be bringing you water unless you ask for it either. These rules come with some heavy penalties $200 for the first violation and $1000 for the second with you water prvilidges being revoked on your third violation (is that legal?).

The full ordinance is below

AN ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH STAGE 1 MANDATORY WATER CONSERVATION RULES AND THE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION OF THE RULES.

Whereas, current conditions are causing excessive and severe demand on the City’s water supply reservoirs, and

Whereas, Every Day Water Conservation Rules and voluntary water conservation best management practices have not resulted in sufficient reduction of the average day customer water demand from our distribution system, and

Whereas, it is necessary to implement additional mandatory water use rules to protect the public health, safety, and welfare through the provision of adequate water for drinking, sanitation, and fire protection services;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED BY THE RALEIGH CITY COUNCIL THAT:

Stage 1 Mandatory Water Conservation Rules are in effect for the City of Raleigh’s water customers as follows:

Section 1

OUTDOOR WATER USES:

Irrigation water must be applied slowly to achieve deep penetration and prevent water run-off. Direct watering of impervious surfaces such as streets, parking lots, driveways and sidewalks is prohibited.

1. Automatic Spray Irrigation and Non-Automatic Spray Irrigation Systems: Watering by spray irrigation systems shall be permitted between MIDNIGHT and 10:00 AM. Properties with ODD numbered addresses may water lawns and landscapes only on TUESDAYS. Properties with EVEN numbered addresses may water only on WEDNESDAYS.
2. City of Raleigh Certified Automatic Spray Irrigation Systems: Watering by spray irrigation systems shall be permitted between MIDNIGHT and 10:00 AM. Properties with ODD numbered addresses may water lawns and landscapes on TUESDAYS and SATURDAYS. Properties with EVEN numbered addresses may water on WEDNESDAYS and SUNDAYS.
3. Hose-end Sprinkler: Watering by hose-end sprinklers shall be permitted between 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM and also between 6:00 PM and 10 PM. Properties with ODD numbered addresses may water lawns and landscapes only on TUESDAYS. Properties with EVEN numbered addresses may water only on WEDNESDAYS.
4. Hand Held Hose End Watering Devices: Watering by hand held hose shall be permitted between 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM and also between 6:00 PM and 10 PM. Properties with ODD numbered addresses may water lawns and landscapes on TUESDAYS and SATURDAYS. Properties with EVEN numbered addresses may water on WEDNESDAYS and SUNDAYS.
5. Low Volume Drip Irrigation Watering by low volume drip irrigation is permitted at any time. EXEMPTIONS to irrigation requirements: The watering restrictions shall not apply to:
   • Properties using non-potable/reuse water for landscape irrigation,
   • Watering of commercial containerized plants and commercial plant stock in trade maintained for resale, and
   • Visually supervised operation of watering systems for short periods of time to check system condition.
   • Property owners may obtain a 45 day New Landscape Establishment Permit from the Public Utilities
   Department for the purpose of establishing new plantings. New plantings, for the purpose of this permit, are defined as the installation of new sod to the entire yard, whole yard first seeding, or large commercial plantings. The permit will be applicable during the installation and for 45 days from substantial completion of the installation. Irrigation will be permitted during the hours 5:00 AM to 10:00 AM.
6. The water level in any swimming or wading pool may be supplemented to provide for proper operation and sanitary pool conditions.
7. No water may be added to any decorative ponds or fountains except for what is necessary to maintain aquatic life. EXCEPTION: Decorative ponds or fountains that do not have any drains or outlets that allow water to enter any storm drain or surface water body and have permanent weather resistant signage that meets the requirements of the City’s Bulk Reclaimed Water Distribution Permit may use reclaimed (reuse) water.
8. Residents are prohibited from vehicle washing activities except on Saturdays and Sundays.
9. Residents are prohibited from washing areas such as sidewalks, patios, decks, driveways, parking lots, streets and exterior building surfaces except on Saturdays and Sundays. This restriction shall not apply to the washing of soiled areas for maintenance of public health and sanitary conditions. The commercial use of power washers is permitted.
10. Leaking water services or plumbing must be repaired within 24 hours of written notification by the Public Utilities Director.

INDOOR WATER USES:

1. Drinking water shall not be served in a public restaurant, except upon request.
2. Hotels/motels/bed and breakfast inns will ask guests spending more than one night to use their towels and bed linens more than once between laundering.
3. Commercial and industrial customers shall review their water uses and implement industry specific best management water conservation practices.

Section 2.

Violation of this ordinance may be punished by any of the means available to the City through the provisions of N.C.G.S 160A-175. The civil penalty amount for the first violation of this ordinance is $200.00, a second violation of this ordinance is $1,000.00 and a third violation shall result in interruption of water service to the offending customer. The City will issue written notification to the customer and occupant of intent to interrupt water service and twenty-four (24) hours later will interrupt water service unless the violation has ceased. Each day shall constitute a separate violation, If water service has been interrupted due to repeat violation of this ordinance, service will not be re-instated until the Public Utilities Director has determined that the risk to the City water supply has been alleviated or the Public Utilities Director is otherwise assured of compliance.

Section 3

All laws and clauses of laws in conflict herewith are hereby repealed to the extent of such conflict.

Section 4

This ordinance is effective upon adoption.

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