The latter part of 2007 and early part of 2008 have seen a good amount of rainfall and while lake levels are rising, they are still not where they need to be to lift the mandatory water restrictions that were put in place in 2007. As we head into spring and summer, here are some basic guidelines and helpful hints to help ensure you follow the
Charlotte-Mecklenburg mandatory water restrictions.
Watering Plants
It's time for spring planting, but the water restrictions make that tough to do successfully. To be honest, having a lush landscape just isn't in the cards in Charlotte this year, but you can have a few splashes of color to brighten your home.
- Stick to potted plants or just a few flowering blooms throughout your yard to lessen what you need to water.
- Watering plants, trees and shrubs is permitted with use of a hand-held watering container or hose with a spray nozzle attached.
- Drip irrigation or soaker hoses are also permitted to water trees, shrubs or plant beds
Watering Lawns
To put it simply, don't do it. Using an irrigation system to maintain lawns and turf is prohibited at all times. Offenders will face a fine of $100 for the first offense, $200 for the second offense and $300 for the third offense. Large properties face fines of up to $600 for repeated offenses.
Car Washing
Again, this is prohibited. Take this opportunity to splurge on a car wash at one of Charlotte's many facilities that make use of recycled water.
Can I Pressure Wash my House?
Using a pressure washer is not prohibited but it is discouraged. A better solution, much like car washes, is to use a commercial pressure-washing service that uses recycled water.
What Else Can I Do?
To ease your use of the county's water supply, Charlotte-Mecklenburg has made
rain barrels available for purchase several times throughout the year. These barrels cost $85 for a 60-gallon barrel and $100 for an 80-gallon barrel. These barrels are designed to block the growth of algae as well as keep out critters and mosquitoes. The rain barrel also has an overflow valve that can be attached to a garden hose to divert the overflow water to any area of your yard that needs it.
Other Conservation Tips
The website www.saveyourwater.org has provided a list of
helpful things you can do to conserve water in your home. Tips include, using towels an extra day before washing and eliminating one load of laundry a week.
