TOWN OF GRANITE FALLS IMPLEMENTS STAGE 2 MANDATORY WATER REDUCTIONS TO PROTECT LOCAL WATER SUPPLY

GRANITE FALLS, NORTH CAROLINA – Due to continued dry conditions across the region and declining water supply indicators, the Town of Granite Falls has implemented Stage 2: Mandatory Water Reductions under its Water Shortage Response Plan.

This action follows regional drought conditions identified within the Catawba-Wateree River Basin, where Stage 2 drought conditions require immediate conservation efforts to protect shared water resources and preserve drinking water availability.

Stage 2 conditions indicate that water supply levels are significantly below seasonal norms and that prolonged shortages are possible without immediate reductions in water use.

Town officials are urging all residents, businesses, and institutions to take immediate action to reduce nonessential water use.

Under Stage 2, the following restrictions are required for all Granite Falls water customers:

·         No lawn watering or irrigation is permitted

·         Watering of shrubs, trees, and flowers is limited to:

o   7:00–9:00 a.m. and 7:00–9:00 p.m.

o   Hand-held hoses with automatic shutoff nozzles only

·         Washing of driveways, sidewalks, and exterior surfaces is prohibited, except when necessary and approved

·         Restaurants may only serve water upon customer request

·         Filling of swimming pools is restricted to Wednesdays and Saturdays and requires a permit

·         All customers must eliminate unnecessary water use, including commercial and industrial operations

These restrictions build upon previously encouraged conservation measures, which are now mandatory and enforceable.