January 9, 2009

Stage 2 Water Restrictions Remain In Place For Now

CHARLOTTE – The Catawba-Wateree Drought Management Advisory Group (DMAG) issued a news release this afternoon confirming the river basin has drifted out of Stage 3 Drought Status for the first time in more than a year.

It's great news, but the downshift to Stage 2 still indicates some water conditions linger below normal and continued mandatory restrictions are warranted for participating cities along the basin in North Carolina and South Carolina.

"Water conditions are clearly improved and heading in the right direction," explained Maeneen Klein, Water Conservation Manager for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities. "It's the first time we've been out of Stage 3 since September 2007."

For now, lawn watering, residential car-washing and pool/fountain filling by customers of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities continues to be limited to no more than two days per week and according to the following schedule:

• Customers with odd-numbered addresses may water on Tuesdays & Saturdays.
• Customers with even-numbered addresses may water on Thursdays & Sundays.

Improved rainfall during 2008 and thus far in January has made a big difference recently on the region's four drought indicators. The U.S. Geological Survey Drought Monitor map shows the majority of the Catawba-Wateree River Basin is in normal to 'moderate drought' conditions. Catawba lake levels are normal. Stream Flows have improved to Stage 1 drought level, and groundwater gauges show continued gradual improvement, even though readings remain at Stage 2 level and below normal for this time of year.

"We need citizens to keep following the two-day-per-week irrigation schedule, which should be no problem during winter when irrigation and overall water usage is at its lowest," Klein said. "The drought has reminded us of the value of water, but continued conservation habits are the right thing to do whenever using water – indoors or outside, and regardless of ever-changing weather patterns."

 The DMAG meets again at the end of January and will continue regularly reviewing drought conditions and water levels. Additional details about restrictions and water conservation tips are available at www.cmutilities.com  or www.saveyourwater.org. Customers may also dial 311 or 704-336-7600 for more information.