Stafford County Administrator Anthony Romanello has reduced the level of mandatory water restrictions effective today, February 19, 2008.  Customers of Stafford’s Department of Utilities will now be allowed to water outdoors with a hose with an automatic shut-off valve, or with a three-gallon or less bucket. Under the mandatory restrictions that went into effect last September, all outdoor watering was strictly prohibited.

"The recent rainfall we’ve had over the past few weeks has refilled Abel Lake, and Smith Lake is close to being full,” Mr. Romanello said. “Our customers have done a great job of abiding by the restrictions, and this has kept water demand low and has resulted in increased water levels in both reservoirs.”

Under the reduced level of restrictions, customers will be able to use water outside, as long as long as they use a hose with an automatic shut-off valve or a three-gallon or less bucket. They can wash their cars if they follow these rules, but they will not be allowed to use sprinklers to water lawns at this time. Commercial customers can also use water outdoors as long as they follow the same guidelines as residential customers.            

Despite the reduction in the level of restrictions, County officials caution customers to use water wisely. The drought has reduced the groundwater levels, which has reduced the base flow of Aquia Creek and Potomac Creek, the major tributaries of both Abel and Smith Lakes. In fact, Aquia Creek, the major tributary of Smith Lake, is flowing at only 14 cubic feet per second, as compared to the median flow at this time of year of 34 cubic feet per second. In addition, the 90-day forecast is for continued below-average rainfall. However, the reservoirs are in better shape now than they were last fall. Abel Lake is currently 100 percent full and Smith Lake is at 93 percent full.

County officials will continue to monitor the reservoir levels, water demand and the weather. “If the drought continues, and the reservoir levels fall, mandatory restrictions will remain in place,” Mr. Romanello said. “But if conditions improve, restrictions could be removed this spring.”

In addition to being careful with water use outside, customers should continue to conserve water indoors. The Stafford Department of Utilities recommends the following practices to conserve water indoors:

• Repair leaky toilets. A leaky toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water per day.

• Repair leaky pipes and faucets. A slow steady drip can waste 350 gallons of water per month. Not only does this waste water, but it increases your sewer bill and can increase your energy costs if it is hot water.

• Turn off faucets when not in use.

• Do not let the faucet run when shaving; use rinse water in the sink.

• Do not let the faucet run when brushing your teeth; use a glass of water to rinse.

• Do not let the faucet run when rinsing vegetables, use a pan of water or the sink instead.

• Defrost foods in the refrigerator or microwave rather than under running water.

• Install water-conserving faucet aerators and showerheads. Take shorter showers or a shower instead of a bath.

• Run washing machines only when full and on the proper load size selection.

• Run dishwashers only when full, using the water saver feature if available. If pre-rinsing dishes, use the sink and do not let the faucet run.

• Turn off ice makers and use trays instead. Use paper or recyclable plates and cups to cut down on dishwashing.

• Reposition downspouts onto lawn and garden areas rather than sidewalks or the driveway.

• If upgrading appliances or plumbing fixtures, choose the ones that conserve water. A high efficiency, front loading washing machine can use 30 percent less water than a top loading model.

Please visit www.epa.gov/watersense/ for additional conservation ideas or call the Department of Utilities at (540) 658-8616.

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