Another Triangle town restricts water usage amid NC’s severe drought
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Fuquay-Varina declares water restrictions during NC drought
- Automated sprinklers limited by odd/even days and pools cannot be completely filled.
- First violation is a warning, second is a $50 fine, third suspends water service.
The town of Fuquay-Varina will implement water restrictions to try and reduce water consumption during North Carolina’s state-wide drought.
The southern Wake County town joins Raleigh Water, which also implemented water restrictions this week. Nearly 70 water systems across the state have established mandatory or voluntary drought restrictions, as of Wednesday, April 22.
Fuquay-Varina doesn’t provide its own water, and instead buys it from the city of Raleigh, Harnett County and Johnston County.
“Recognizing that not all systems may declare a water shortage at the same time, Fuquay-Varina elects to declare and coordinate a shortage when its water demand exceeds 90% of available supply for three consecutive days,” according to the town’s water shortage response plan.
There are no drought-related restrictions for Harnett or Johnston counties as of April 22.
What does this mean for residents?
The goal is to reduce water consumption by 10%, according to the town.
- People may hand water any time using a “handheld water device,” as long as the device is actively held while in use.
- People with even-numbered addresses who use automated sprinklers may only water on Tuesdays, Thursday and Saturdays.
- People with odd-numbered addresses who use automated sprinklers may only water on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
- Vehicles can only be washed at home on Saturdays and Sundays.
- New and existing pools cannot be completely filled.
- No washing of outside areas like driveways, sidewalks, parking lots, home exteriors and patios, unless by a business licensed to do that work.
People who are establishing new grass seed, sod or landscaping can obtain a temporary, 45-day permit for watering, according to the town.
How are the rules enforced?
The first violation is a warning. The second violation is a $50 fine. The third violation is suspension of water service.
What other Triangle towns have water restrictions?
Raleigh Water implemented Stage 1 drought restrictions for its customers on Monday, April 20. That affects people who live in: Raleigh, Garner, Knightdale, Rolesville, Wake Forest, Wendell and Zebulon.
There are no drought restrictions for Durham Water, Cary-Apex Water and Orange Water and Sewer Authhority customers as of Wednesday, April 22.