Stage 1 restrictions limit watering lawns to only three days a week without exceeding one inch of water per week. Also, using OWASA water to wash vehicles, buildings and sidewalks is prohibited.
Stage 1 restrictions are the lowest level of restrictions, though stage 2 restrictions might be enforced if the drought continues.
"We could have stage 2 restrictions in effect, depending on rainfall and water use," said Greg Feller, spokesman for OWASA.
However, Hillsborough and northern Orange County residents, not serviced by OWASA, are now to observe stage 4 restrictions.
The restrictions in Chapel Hill and Carrboro are apparently not causing many problems. OWASA has received 30 calls since July 12 regarding violations to the policy. However, Chapel Hill Police Chief Gregg Jarvies said no citations have been written. OWASA and the police are concentrating on informing residents now of the restrictions instead of punishing them for violating them. They do not anticipate many violations.
"There is a history in this town of people conserving water when it is needed," Feller said.
OWASA representatives predict that the reservoirs now hold about 140 days of water left for the Chapel Hill and Carrboro communities. This estimate changes daily because representatives calculate the water at a certain level every day and divide that level by water demand from the previous 30 days. It is a conservative estimate because the estimate is made with the assumption that no more rain will fall.
UNC is also doing its part to conserve water. The University has submitted an irrigation plan in which it would water lawns on alternate days during the week and use well water whenever possible. The Department of Energy Services is also looking at other ways to conserve. Air conditioning requires water for cooling, and the department is considering turning some air conditioning systems off at night and on the weekends when they are not needed, said Ray DuBose, the director of energy services.
DuBose also said the Office of Student Affairs will send students notices before they come to school informing them about the water shortages so that students will be prepared to help conserve.
