Despite recent rainfall that has occurred in parts of the local area, overall conditions in the Catawba-Wateree basin have led Duke Energy to declare a Stage 1 Water Shortage at this time.
Lincoln County has received information from Duke Power concerning the water levels and flows in the Catawba-Wateree Lake system, which is the source of our drinking water supply. Duke has provided information about the amount of usable water storage that is available in their reservoirs, the water flows in certain streams, and rainfall records.
A Stage 1 Water Shortage, as defined in the Lincoln County Water Conservation Ordinance, indicates the need to reduce consumption by an amount of 3% to 5%. By reducing demand on the water supply reservoirs before the drought conditions worsen, more severe water use restrictions may be avoided.
Therefore Lincoln County hereby declares a Stage 1 Water Shortage Condition in accordance with our Water Conservation Ordinance. We encourage our water customers to observe the following VOLUNTARY WATER CONSERVATION guidelines as outlined in the Ordinance:
(a) limit car washing;
(b) limit lawn, garden, and shrubbery watering to the minimum necessary for plants to survive and reuse household water when possible;
(c) eliminate washing down of outside areas such as sidewalks, patios, parking lots, service bays or aprons;
(d) eliminate continuous running of water while shaving or rinsing dishes;
(e) limit the use of washing machines and dishwashers and operate only when fully loaded;
(f) use showers instead of bathtubs for bathing and limit showers to no more than four minutes' duration;
(g) limit hours of operation of water cooled air conditioners;
(h) use biodegradable and/or disposable dishes;
(i) use flow restriction and other water saving devices where possible; and
(j) delay new landscape work until the water shortage has ended.
Water levels and flows in the Catawba-Wateree basin will continue to be monitored by the County as well as by Duke Power, and the public will be notified of any changes in the water shortage conditions. Beginning with the November billing cycle any residential or irrigation usage that exceeds 15,000 gallons will now be billed at the rate of $7.15 per 1,000 gallons, while Lincoln County is under voluntary water restrictions. Please call Lincoln County Public Works at 704-736-8497 visit our website www.lincolncounty.org for a complete fee schedule.