Here is a list of some of the steps government agencies continue to conserve:
o Landscape maintenance contracts specify that all CMU conservation requests or restrictions be followed;
o Non-essential plants (flowers) that are heavy water users have been and will continue to be removed from Tryon Street mall and other areas;
o First-year trees and shrubs are watered once a week. Using water bags on newly planted trees can result in as much as two weeks between watering;
o Capital improvement projects, such as roads, that include trees and shrubs have a one-year warranty from the installation contractor. Watering during that period is directed by the contractor, who is responsible for warranty loss and replacement of plant materials;
o City ornamental fountains use recirculated water and operate to prevent stagnation. Water is only added when low levels may cause damage to pumps or other systems. This occurs from once a week to once every 3 weeks.
Charlotte-Douglas International Airport has implemented the following measures:
o Limited watering of outdoor plants/shrubs/trees; watering during off-peak hours only
o Queen Charlotte fountain using recirculated water and, when necessary, drawing water from a well;
o Suspended paint operation to prevent the need to use water to clean the machines;
o Restricted washing of airport buses from weekly to every two weeks;
o Street flushing only in emergencies;
o Installation of water-saving fixtures in restrooms currently being renovated;
o Pumping of condensation from air-conditioning back through the system instead of down the drain.
Utilities has implemented the following measures:
o Washing equipment only when absolutely necessary and only at commercial carwashes;
o Suspended fire-hydrant flushing except when absolutely necessary for water quality purposes;
o Requiring the Utility crews work overtime hours this weekend to more quickly and effectively respond to system leaks.
