With recent rains, water restrictions loosened

By Karen Cimino Wilson
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Area cities will relax local water restrictions after several months of precipitation levels that have improved the drought conditions that have faced the area for years, according to Concord city officials.

Residents of Concord, Kannapolis, Harrisburg, Landis and Mount Pleasant will be allowed to water their lawns three day per week beginning today. Lawn irrigation will be allowed only on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. All other restrictions will become voluntary. 

Those who violate the specified lawn irrigation days watering rule will receive written notice of the violation and will be fined. 

Local government bodies will allow the following activities anytime: 

• Filling, operating or topping off of ornamental fountains;
• Residential car washing or washing down outside areas. Both activities require the use of a hand-held hose or pressure washer, both equipped with a spring-loaded nozzle.
• Watering trees, flowers, shrubs, ornamental plants and vegetable gardens for plants.
• Automated irrigation services may be installed and activated.
• Filling swimming pools by permit. Topping off of previously filled pools is still acceptable at any time.
• All customers are allowed to use pressure-washing devices.

The cities are maintaining restrictions on when lawns can be irrigated and using water pricing to promote conservation. Irrigation creates the single largest demand for water during spring and summer months, according to Concord city officials. 

Research shows that properly maintained lawns only need one inch of water per week to thrive, and it is best to water during evening and early morning hours.

The water-use restrictions do not apply to customers using wells or ponds for irrigation. 

• Contact reporter Karen Cimino Wilson: 704-789-9141.