CITY OF BELMONT IN STAGE 3 WATER CONSERVATION-Effective 10-17-07

Mandatory Water Conservation Requirements: Revised

Based on the measurements of Duke Energy's drought indicators, the Catawba-Wateree basin is in a Stage 3 level drought, as identified in Duke's Low Inflow Protocol, or LIP.

As a result of this designation the City of Belmont has declared that Stage 3 water conservation measures be observed by all of the City's water customers as of Monday, October 8, 2007. Through this notification, the City is calling upon its customers to comply with all mandatory water use restrictions, particularly the elimination of all outside lawn, plant, and landscape watering and the elimination all residential vehicle washing.

A specific list of the actions to be observed during the Stage 3 declaration follows:

•a.                   The outside watering of lawns, plants, shrubbery, or trees is prohibited at all times. 

•b.                   Residential vehicle washing is prohibited.  Public commercial washing businesses may continue normal operations but shall ensure that water is not wasted.

•c.                   Planting new ornamental plants or seeding of lawns shall be deferred until the water emergency no longer exists.

•d.                   The filling or refilling of swimming pools is prohibited.

•e.                   The operation of outdoor ornamental water fountains is prohibited.

•f.                     The use of water for washing down exterior areas, including but not limited to buildings, driveways, and/or parking lots is prohibited.  Street washing shall be limited to that necessary to meet regulatory requirements. 

•g.                   Restaurants and other food service establishments shall serve water to patrons only upon request.  All restaurants are encouraged to utilize single-serving utensils, plates, and beverage containers to the greatest degree practical.

•h.                   Commercial, industrial, and construction operations shall eliminate all possible waste of water.  The Utility Director may impose additional mandatory restrictions as determined to be appropriate and necessary.

•i.                     Any practice listed above may be modified or additional practices may be added at the discretion of the Utility Director.

Additionally, all water customers are urged to take the following actions to further reduce water use at all times:

• Faucets should not be left running while shaving, brushing teeth or washing dishes.
• The use of clothes washers and dishwashers should be operated with full loads when used.
• The use of flow restrictors and other water saving devices is encouraged.
• The use of disposable and biodegradable dishes and cups is encouraged.
• Showers should be used for bathing and should be limited to five minutes or less.
• Any leaking faucets, pipes, or toilets should be repaired .

Penalties.  Any person violating the mandatory provisions of this ordinance shall be subject to a civil penalty in an amount not to exceed $100 for residential customers and $500 for commercial or industrial customers.  Each occurrence of a violation of any provision of this ordinance shall be considered a separate violation.

Discontinuance of service.  Pursuant to the provisions of N. C. General Statute 160A-312, and this section, water service may be temporarily discontinued for willful disregard of this ordinance.  All applicable penalty fees may be applied in the event of service suspensions.  in the event of continued gross noncompliance with this section, removal of the meter and service will be deemed proper, and service will be discontinued.  Tap fees, deposits, and any other fees paid will be forfeited.