DURHAM - Last week's heavy rain from the remnants of Hurricane Fay refilled both of Durham's water-supply lakes, and water is now pouring over the spillways at Lake Michie and Little River Reservoir.

So on Thursday, City Manager Thomas Bonfield announced that the city is lifting most mandatory water restrictions.

Remaining in force is the rule limiting outdoor watering of lawns and gardens to just twice a week.

The water restrictions and improved conservation have cut water consumption this summer by between 22 percent and 25 percent from last summer's level, the city reported.

"We really appreciate our customers' compliance with mandatory restrictions and encourage them to continue many of their water-saving activities when practical," Bonfield said.

The outdoor restrictions still in place limit watering with in-ground systems or above-ground hose-end sprinklers to two days per week.

The watering schedule will continue to be Wednesdays and Saturdays only, either between 5 and 8 a.m. or 5 and 8 p.m.

Watering by hand (with cans, wands and hand-held hoses) is allowed any time. To enable long-deferred landscaping installation and maintenance activities, customers may apply for a water-use license, which will allow watering on days other than Wednesdays and Saturdays.

For more information, contact the Department of Water Management at 560-4381. License applications can be downloaded at www.durhamnc.gov.

Get $150+ in coupons in every Sunday N&O. Click here for convenient home delivery.