PRESS RELEASE

FROM: David B. Bone, Town Manager

DATE: October 24, 2007

SUBJ.: Implementation of Water Conservation Measures - Stage II -
Water Shortage Warning

Effective October 29, 2007, the Town of Elizabethtown will implement Stage II of its Water Shortage and Conservation Ordinance (Chapter 51.72 of the Code of Ordinances).

The upgrade in the Town's response to the community's water shortage is driven by the continued drought conditions in our area, as well as the drought conditions across the state. The implementation of Stage II is additionally being done in cooperation with the recent request of Governor Mike Easley. Governor Easley is asking all water systems to voluntarily report on their water use weekly and also is challenging all citizens to reduce their water use by 50 percent.

Currently, Bladen County is currently listed as experiencing "Severe Drought" by the NC Drought Management Advisory Council. This is the second most serious category of drought among the monitor's four drought classifications. (The most recent Drought Management Advisory Council recommendations can be viewed at http://www.ncwater.org/drought/.)

Town Manager David Bone stated, "The Town of Elizabethtown is cooperating with the Governor's office and state agencies on all drought-related issues. The Town of Elizabethtown proactively responded to the early drought conditions when the Town enacted Stage I of its Water Shortage and Conservation Ordinance almost five months ago (on June 1, 2007). The implementation of Stage II of the ordinance is a continuation towards the Town's proactive protection of one of our most cherished resources - a good, clean water supply."

Public Services Director Alton Bryant reports, "The Town's water supply is being closely monitored by town staff, and Elizabethtown's wells appear to be weathering the drought. Since the enactment of Stage I on June 1, 2007, the Town's water usage is slightly higher (approximately 2%) than the same period last year. This increase in usage is likely due to an increase in residential use of irrigation, even though residents have been watering their yards with a reduced irrigation schedule. But, hopefully, the enactment of Stage II of the Water Conservation measures will help decrease the Town's water usage significantly."

Mayor Kenneth Kornegay stated, "We hope all our citizens will take steps not to waste water. We all need to do our own part to conserve water so that we will have enough water down the road. The Town of Elizabethtown supports Governor Easley's challenge to all North Carolina citizens to reduce their water use by 50%." Mayor Kornegay encourages citizens to limit water usage anytime possible. He added, "We are all in this situation together, and we need to continue to work together to ensure the future of our water supply."

STAGE II RESTRICTIONS

Stage II of the Town of Elizabethtown Water Conservation Ordinance makes it unlawful to use water from the public water system supplied by the Town of Elizabethtown for the following purposes:

(1) To water lawns, grass, shrubbery, trees, flower and vegetable gardens except by hand watering. (Provided, however, that any person regularly engaged in the sale of plants shall be permitted to use water for such purposes, and shall not be restricted to hand watering.)

(2) To wash automobiles, trucks, trailers, boats, airplanes, or any other type of mobile equipment. (Provided, however, that any person regularly engaged in the business of washing motor vehicles and any commercial car wash facility shall be permitted to use water for such purposes).

(3) To wash down outside areas such as streets, driveways, service station aprons, parking lots, office buildings, exteriors of existing or newly constructed homes or apartments, sidewalks, or patios, or to use water for other similar purposes. (Provided, however, that any person regularly engaged in the business of washing such areas shall be permitted to use water for such purposes.)

(4) To introduce water into any ornamental fountain pool, pond, or other structure making similar use of water.

(5) To use water from public or private fire hydrants for any purpose other than fire suppression or other public emergency or water department need.

(6) To use water for dust control, compaction, or construction testing of new waterlines.

(7) To intentionally waste treated water.

ENFORCEMENT

In the event any treated water use restriction implemented by the Town Manager is violated, the Town Manager shall terminate or restrict the service of the person(s) where such violation occurs and may in addition thereto or in the alternative take such other appropriate legal action as prescribed by law.

At such time as the Town Manager is satisfied that the person is no longer in violation of any treated water use restrictions, the Town Manager shall reinstate the person's water service pursuant to the following:

" After payment of a suspension/reconnection charge of $75.00 for first time offenders;

" After payment of a suspension/reconnection charge of $300.00 for second time offenders;

" After payment of a suspension/reconnection charge of $500.00 for each additional violation.

ADDITIONAL WATER CONSERVATION SUGGESTIONS

The following are some suggestions to help conserve water:

(1) Install low-flow showers and toilets.
(2) Restaurants could ONLY serve water when patrons ask.
(3) Check your plumbing to be sure it is not wasteful.
(4) Check for leaks and repair them. In a typical home, leaks amount to about 15 percent of all household indoor water use.
(5) Use indoor water wisely. Turn off water while shampooing, shaving and brushing your teeth to reduce the time water is running.
(6) Take time to locate your main water shut-off valve and the water meter in your yard. Knowing where the main shut-off is can potentially prevent the loss of thousands of gallons of water.
(7) Use dry cleanup methods to reduce both indoor and outdoor water use. Take advantage of free water. Catch rainwater from your gutters and use it to water your flowers and vegetables. Collect water from the bath/shower while waiting for it to heat up; use for watering plants.
(8) Use appliances wisely. Run washing machines and dishwashers only with full loads to maximize efficiency.
(9) If washing vehicles is absolutely necessary, use a commercial carwash that recycles water.
(10) Avoid using sink disposals for food scraps.
For more ideas and water conservation information, click on the "Water Conservation Tips" link on the upper right corner of Governor Easley's website: www.governor.state.nc.us.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The Town of Elizabethtown adopted its Water Shortage and Conservation Ordinance during the last major drought - on September 9, 2002. Additionally, since 2002 the Town of Elizabethtown has performed the following actions to conserve water and diversify the Town's water resources:

" The Town regularly performs maintenance on water lines and repairs leaks, which reduces the water lost in the water distribution system.

" The Town constructed Well #5, which came on-line in early 2005.

" The Town has supported the regional surface water treatment facility being undertaken by the Lower Cape Fear Water and Sewer Authority and Smithfield Foods in Tar Heel. [This will diversify the region's water resources and will help protect groundwater resources.] (Resolution #R-06-016, adopted October 2, 2006).

" The Town supported the Clean Water Act of 2007, which would provide additional State funds to address water infrastructure needs (Resolution #R-07-009, adopted May 7, 2007).

" On October 18, 2007, the Town Manager asked departments to limit irrigation to one day/week and to eliminate the washing of vehicles. (This measure was done prior to the implementation of Stage II. The Town will be compliant with the provisions of Stage II, as well, and will cease irrigation of landscaping.)

Stage I of the Water Shortage and Conservation Ordinance - Water Shortage Awareness - (effective June 1, 2007) contained the following limitations:

" Irrigation was limited to the hours of 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.

" Customers whose address numbers end in an even digit were restricted to watering on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

" Customers whose address numbers end in an odd digit were restricted to watering on Wednesday, Friday or Sunday.

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