U.S. Water News Online
RALEIGH, N.C. -- Raleigh residents can water their lawns only three days a week and can't wash sidewalks, patios and parking lots under mandatory restrictions imposed by the City Council.
The new rules also allow car washing only at professional facilities. The rules were approved and are now in effect. Violators can be fined up to $500.
The council took conservation measures after Falls Lake, the city's drinking water reservoir, fell 7 feet below its normal level. The eight Wake County towns that buy water from the city must also adhere to the restrictions.
"We really are short," said Raleigh Mayor Charles Meeker. "It's time we do all we can to save water."
Mandatory restrictions also are being considered in Durham, said Vicki Westbrook of that city's Department of Water Management.
Durham's two sources are down -- Lake Michie is 12 feet below normal and Little River Reservoir is down nearly 20 feet.
The Raleigh-Durham area is 71/2 inches short of its normal 37-inch rainfall for the year.
"Over the next couple weeks, the models we have right now don't suggest there is any rainfall," said Ryan Boyles, associate state climatologist. "Beyond that, it's sort of a guessing game."
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