March 18
Stafford County Administrator Anthony Romanello has lifted the mandatory water restrictions effective today, March 18, 2008. However, as part of their long-term water conservation plan, County officials are implementing a voluntary odd/even watering plan immediately.
“Despite the rain we’ve had, we are still officially in a
moderate drought situation, and all long-term weather forecasts are predicting
lower than average rainfall over the next 90 days,”
Mr. Romanello said. “A
hot, dry spell, combined with high water demand could have a significant impact
on the levels in our two reservoirs and make it difficult for us to adequately
meet everyone’s water needs.”
Under the voluntary odd/even watering plan, customers at odd-numbered addresses can water on odd-numbered days, and those at even-numbered addresses can water on even-numbered days.
Stafford officials reduced the level of mandatory restrictions on February 19 in response to the refilling of both Smith and Lake reservoirs from frequent rainfalls and low water demand. Customers were allowed to water outdoors with a three-gallon or less bucket, or with a hose with an automatic shut off nozzle. Under the mandatory restrictions that went into effect last September, all outdoor watering was strictly prohibited.
Abel and Smith Lakes are currently at their normal full
levels. But County officials urge customers to take the voluntary odd/even plan
seriously and use water wisely. “If demand increases
significantly, and we don’t have sufficient rain to keep the reservoirs full or
nearly full, we will be forced to implement the mandatory restrictions again
until the reservoirs can recover,”
Mr. Romanello said. “Conserving
throughout the year can help us maintain water supply levels when we experience
dry spells and also help to keep our public safe by aiding in fire protection.”
The following tips can help conserve water outdoors:
Water early. The earlier, the better.
An average lawn needs only 1-inch of water once per week.
Thatch and aerate your lawn for better water filtration.
Use mulch/compost for trees, plants, and shrubbery.
Water longer but less frequently.
Use soaker hoses or a drip irrigation system for flower and plant beds.
Use more efficient sprinklers that provide large drops of water close to the ground.
Install an automatic sprinkler timer on an outdoor faucet.
Plant with water-efficient landscaping and use mulch. Organic mulches (aged manure, compost, bark or wood chips) cover and cool soil, minimizing evaporation.
Sweep outside with a broom, not a hose. Five minutes of hosing uses up to 25 gallons of water.
Always use a shut-off nozzle on your hose when washing vehicles or watering plants.
Customers can conserve water indoors by:
Fixing leaky faucets, pipes, toilets, etc.
Installing water-saving devices in faucets, toilets and appliances.
Washing only full loads of laundry and running only full loads in the dishwasher.
Do not use the toilet for trash disposal.
Taking shorter showers.
Do not let the water run while shaving or brushing teeth.
Please visit www.epa.gov/watersense/ for additional conservation ideas or call the Department of Utilities at (540) 658-8616.
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