§ 36-33. Restrictive measures in effect at each stage of a water shortage.

The severity of the water shortage shall be determined by the emergency or the level of University Lake and Lake Orange as shown on table I.

(1)

If the water level of University Lake declines to a stage II level above mean sea level, in feet, a stage II water shortage alert shall be deemed in effect. If the water level of Lake Orange declines to a stage II elevation of water below Lake Orange spillway, in feet, a stage II water shortage alert shall be deemed in effect. When a water shortage alert is in effect, the following voluntary water restrictions are imposed:

a.

Use shower for bathing rather than bathtub and limit shower to no more than four minutes.

b.

Limit flushing of toilets by multiple usage.

c.

Do not leave faucets running while shaving or rinsing dishes.

d.

Limit use of clothes washers and dishwashers and when used, operate fully loaded.

e.

Limit lawn watering to that which is necessary for plants to survive.

f.

Water shrubbery the minimum required, reusing household water when possible.

g.

Limit car washing to the minimum.

h.

Do not wash down outside areas such as sidewalks, patios, etc.

i.

Install water flow restrictive devices in shower heads.

j.

Use disposable and biodegradable dishes.

k.

Install water saving devices such as bricks, plastic bottles or commercial units in toilet tanks.

l.

Limit hours of operation of water-cooled air conditioners.

(2)

If the water level of University Lake declines to a stage III level above mean sea level, in feet, a stage III water shortage warning shall be deemed in effect. If the water level of Lake Orange declines to a stage III elevation of water below Lake Orange spillway, in feet, a stage III water shortage warning shall be deemed in effect; and in addition to the restrictions heretofore imposed, the following moderate mandatory water restrictions shall be in effect. It shall be unlawful to use water from the public water system supplied by the Town of Hillsborough, Orange-Alamance Water System, Inc., or the Orange Water and Sewer Authority for the following purposes:

a.

To water lawns, grass, shrubbery, trees, flower and vegetable gardens except as follows:

1.

Customers located outside the Orange Water and Sewer Authority service area may water lawns, grass, shrubbery, trees, flowers and vegetable gardens during Saturday or Sunday evenings between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.

2.

Customers within the Orange Water and Sewer Authority service area located to the south of the centerline of NC 54 West, Main Street in Carrboro, Franklin Street, and US 15/501 Boulevard may water lawns, grass, shrubbery, trees, flower and vegetable gardens on Saturday evening between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Customers located to the north of the centerline of NC 54 West, Main Street in Carrboro, Franklin Street, and US 15/501 Boulevard may water lawns, grass, shrubbery, trees, flower and vegetable gardens on Sunday evening between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.

3.

All such watering is to be done by hand-held hose or container or drip irrigation system.

b.

To fill newly constructed swimming and/or wading pools or refill swimming and/or wading pools which have been drained. A minimal amount of water may be added to maintain continued operation of pools which are in operation at the time the provisions of a stage III warning are placed into effect.

c.

To operate water-cooled air conditioners or other equipment that does not recycle cooling water, except when health and safety are adversely affected.

d.

To wash automobiles, trucks, trailers, boats, airplanes or any other type of mobile equipment, including commercial washing.

e.

To wash down outside areas such as streets, driveways, service station aprons, parking lots, office buildings, exteriors of existing or newly constructed homes or apartments, sidewalks or patios, or to use water for other similar purposes.

f.

To operate or introduce water into any ornamental fountain, pool or pond or other structure making similar use of water.

g.

To serve drinking water in restaurants, cafeterias, or other food establishment, except upon request.

h.

To use water from public or private fire hydrants for any purpose other than fire suppression or other public emergency.

i.

To use water for dust control or compaction.

j.

To intentionally waste water.

(3)

The owner or occupant of any land or building that receives water from Orange Water and Sewer Authority and that also utilizes water from a well or supply other than that of Orange Water and Sewer Authority shall post and maintain in a prominent place thereon a sign furnished by Orange Water and Sewer Authority giving public notice to the use of the well or other source of supply.

(4)

It shall be unlawful to use water from the Eno River through the facilities of the Town of Hillsborough, the Orange-Alamance Water System, Inc., and the Orange-Alamance Water Corporation for the following purposes:

a.

To water lawns, grass, shrubbery, trees, flower and vegetable gardens except between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

b.

To fill newly constructed swimming and/or wading pools or refill swimming and/or wading pools that have been drained. A minimal amount of water may be added to maintain continued operation of pools that are in operation at the time the provisions of a stage III warning are placed into effect.

c.

To operate water-cooled air conditioners or other equipment that does not recycle cooling water, except when health and safety are adversely affected.

d.

To wash automobiles, trucks, trailers, boats, airplanes or any other type of mobile equipment, including commercial washing.

e.

To wash down outside areas such as streets, driveways, service station aprons, parking lots, office buildings, exteriors of existing or newly constructed homes or apartments, sidewalks, or patios, or to use water for other similar purposes.

f.

To operate or introduce water into any ornamental fountain, pool or pond or other structure making similar use of water.

g.

To serve drinking water in restaurants, cafeterias, or other food establishment, except upon request.

h.

To use water from public or private fire hydrants for any purpose other than fire suppression or other public emergency.

i.

To use water for dust control or compaction.

j.

To intentionally waste water.

(5)

The owner or occupant of any land or building that receives water from the Orange-Alamance Water System, Inc., or the Town of Hillsborough and that also utilizes water from a well or supply other than that of Orange-Alamance Water System, Inc., or the Town of Hillsborough shall post and maintain in a prominent place thereon a sign furnished by the county giving public notice to the use of the well or other source of supply.

(6)

If the water level of University Lake declines to a stage IV level above mean sea level, in feet, a stage IV water shortage danger shall be deemed in effect. If the water level of Lake Orange declines to a stage IV elevation of water below Lake Orange spillway, in feet, a stage IV water shortage danger shall be deemed in effect, and in addition to the restrictions heretofore imposed, the following severe mandatory water restrictions shall be in effect. It shall be unlawful to:

a.

Water or sprinkle any lawn.

b.

Water any vegetable garden or ornamental shrubs except during the hours of 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Saturday.

c.

Make any nonessential use of water for commercial or public use, and the use of single-service plates and utensils is encouraged and recommended in restaurants.

(7)

If the water level of University Lake declines to a stage V level above mean sea level, in feet, a stage V water shortage emergency shall be deemed in effect. If the water level of Lake Orange declines to a stage V elevation of water below Lake Orange spillway, in feet, a stage V water shortage emergency shall be deemed in effect, and in addition to the restrictions heretofore imposed, the following stringent mandatory water restrictions shall be in effect; and in addition to the restrictions heretofore imposed, the following severe mandatory water restrictions shall be in effect. It shall be unlawful to:

a.

Use water outside a structure for any use other than an emergency use involving fire.

b.

Operate an evaporative air conditioning unit that recycles water except during the operating hours of the business.

c.

Introduce water into any swimming pool.

(8)

If the water level of University Lake declines to a stage VI level above mean sea level, in feet, a stage VI water shortage crisis shall be deemed in effect. If the water level of Lake Orange declines to a stage VI elevation of water below Lake Orange spillway, in feet, a stage VI water shortage crisis shall be deemed in effect; and a system of water rationing shall be put in effect in addition to all previously imposed restrictions. In the event of water rationing in which water will be supplied in the minimal quantities required for the health, welfare and safety of the citizens in accordance with a program determined by the County:

a.

It shall be unlawful to fail to act in accordance with such rationing or use water in any manner or attempt to evade or avoid such water rationing restrictions.

b.

Fire protection will be maintained, but where possible tank trucks shall use raw water.

(Ord. of 7-10-1986, art. 3, eff. 7-10-1986; Amend. of 6-16-2009, § 36-33, eff. 6-16-2009)