GREENSBORO, N.C. — The City of Greensboro is asking water customers to cut back starting Wednesday, Oct. 14, when it enacts Stage I voluntary water conservation measures because of the lack of regular rainfall and other local weather conditions.
Reduced storage levels in the city water supply triggered this first stage of the Water Shortage Response Plan. Recent rainfall slightly increased water levels in the city lakes, but central North Carolina remains in extreme drought conditions and is experiencing above-normal temperatures. The Oct. 8 U.S. Drought Monitor lists Guilford County among nine counties experiencing extreme drought.
The supply at stake comes from multiple reservoir sources, Townsend, Brandt, Higgins, and regional Randleman Lake, run by the City of Greensboro Water Resources Department. The city also provides water service to much of Guilford County via interlocal agreements, so the request reaches well beyond city limits. Greensboro continues to purchase water from neighboring cities like Burlington and Reidsville, as well as the Piedmont Triad Regional Water Authority, to keep an adequate supply.
In Stage 1 the city requests, rather than requires, conservation. Customers are asked to repair faulty faucets and toilets, limit showers to five minutes or less, and run clothes washers and dishwashers only when fully loaded. The city also asks residents to limit lawn watering to what is necessary for plant survival and not to wash down sidewalks, patios or driveways.
Other steps on the list include installing flow restrictors in showerheads, early-closing flapper valves in toilets, and limiting the use of water-cooled air conditioners. Conservation tips, updated water status and lake levels are posted on the city website and in the GSO WaterWise customer portal.
