Water Restrictions

In order to be better prepared in the event of a drought, water treatment problems, major catastrophe to distribution lines or supply tanks, the inability to resupply the water plant with raw water from the Yadkin River or to our raw water lakes occur, Davidson Water, Inc. has developed a water conservation plan. Davidson Water, Inc. has fourteen distinct zones and may ask all or just a particular zone or zones, to comply with it's conservation plan.

The Yadkin River has an abundant water supply, but is not immune to a prolonged drought. Davidson Water has emergency hook ups with Winston-Salem, Lexington, Thomasville, High Point, Archdale and Denton, which could help supply water during most emergencies, except drought, which would effect most water utilities.

Davidson Water, Inc. has a 20 million gallon a day water plant located on the Yadkin River. The average daily demand on our system is 10 million gallons a day, with summertime use as high as 16 million gallons a day. Davidson Water's system is basically residential with very little demand from industry. When water demand increases in the summertime it is due primarily to watering lawns & gardens, swimming pools and increased washing of vehicles. Due to increasing demand from existing customer and increased customer base, we anticipate reaching maximum capacity of 20 million gallons a day during summer demand periods by the year 2008.

Voluntary Water Restrictions

When weekly demand reaches 90% of treatment capacity, (an average of 18 mgd over any 7 day period) or any of the conditions listed above exist, we will ask our membership to voluntarily conserve water.

Updated September 11, 2007 Davidson Water, Inc. is asking customers to voluntarily restrict water usage. In conjunction with other local water utilities and Governor Easley’s request, we are implementing voluntary water restrictions to help reduce the effects of the drought on river flows and other water supplies. Please follow the guidelines listed below to reduce your water demand. Please be aware that Davidson Water, Inc. employees may be seen flushing lines from hydrants and lines during this time. These efforts are in no way a waste of water but a means to maintain water quality and improve areas that have been experiencing issues with discolored water.

Recommendations for Voluntary Water Conservation:

• Use showers for bathing and limit to four minutes.
  
  
• Limit toilet flushing by multiple usage when possible.
  
  
• Do not leave faucets running while shaving, rinsing dishes, or brushing teeth.
  
  
• Limit use of clothes washers and dishwashers. If used, they should be fully loaded.
  
  
• Limit lawn watering to that which is necessary for plant survival.
  
  
• Water shrubbery the minimum required.
  
  
• Limit washing of vehicles.
  
  
• Do not wash down outside areas such as sidewalks, patios, and driveways.
  
  
• Use disposable and biodegradable dishes.
  
  
• Install water saving devices in toilets and showers.
  
  
• Delay landscape work until water shortage has ended.

Manditory Water Restrictions

When water demand reaches 95% of treatment capacity or any of the other conditions exist,. Along with the voluntary conservation measures recommended, we will limit our membership to one hour of outdoor watering by handheld garden hose only between the hours of 7:00 am to 9:00 am or 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm on the following days, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday.

No water shall be used for the following purposes:

• To fill new or used swimming pools or ornamental fountains.
  
  
• To wash any vehicles, except at a commercial car wash.
  
  
• To wash down driveways, patios, sidewalks or other outside areas or use for dust control.
  
  
• To serve drinking water in restaurants, except by request.
  
  
• Use of fire hydrants for firefighting only.
  
  
• To use water for unnecessary purposes.

Emergency Conservation

Emergency Conservation would be implemented when a serious water shortage exists or when the water supply system is unable to meet demand of our users. No outside use of waterwould be allowed, except emergency use involving fire or accident.