15A NCAC 02E .0613. DEFAULT WATER USE REDUCTION MEASURES DURING NCDMAC EXTREME DROUGHT DESIGNATIONS

When the NCDMAC designates a region of the state as suffering from Extreme Drought, the following water use reduction standards shall apply to water users in the designated area, as indicated in Rule .0612:

(1)           Water users shall reduce water use by at least 10% below the amount used in the month prior to a NCDMAC Extreme Drought designation in the affected area.

(2)           All water users shall minimize non-essential use of water.

(3)           Outdoor irrigation is prohibited, except for:

(a)           Watering lawns less than one inch of water per week, between the hours of 8:00 PM and 8:00 AM;

(b)           Maintaining newly installed landscapes, lawns and erosion control projects that were initiated prior to the issuance of an Extreme Drought advisory, not to exceed the minimum rate necessary on the day of installation and for 60 days following installation, by means designed and operated to maximize water use efficiency and to prevent run-off and excessive watering;

(c)           Using spray irrigation by wastewater effluent treatment systems from the NCDMAC Extreme Drought designated area(s) according to permit conditions under the provisions of North Carolina Administrative Code 15A NCAC 02H .0200 and any successive rules and amendments, as administered by the Department's Division of Water Quality;

(d)           Maintaining athletic fields with less than one inch of water per week between the hours of 8:00 PM and 8:00 AM;

(e)           Maintaining personal food gardens;

(f)            Maintaining existing landscape plantings at the minimum rate necessary, between the hours of 8:00 PM and 8:00 AM, using a hand held container or hose with an automatic shutoff or using drip irrigation;

(g)           Watering golf course tees, fairways and greens by means of an automated irrigation system between the hours of 8:00 PM and 8:00 AM with less than one inch of water per week;

(h)           Syringing golf course tees and greens exhibiting visible signs of stress between the hours of 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM, at the minimum rate necessary; and

(i)            Maintaining plant inventories, by means designed and operated to maximize water use efficiency, at retail garden centers, garden centers within mass merchant stores or other businesses with live plants as their stock in trade. 

(4)           The use of water for washing or cleaning of mobile equipment including automobiles, trucks, boats and fleet vehicles is prohibited, except for:

(a)           Operating commercial car washes that utilize the industry's best management practices for the efficient use of water and those that recycle, reclaim or reuse a portion of their wash water in their daily operations and have reduced total water consumption by 10% below the amount used in the month prior to a NCDMAC Extreme Drought designation in the affected area;

(b)           Washing with a hand-held hose with an automatic shutoff device using less than five gallons per vehicle;

(c)           Cleaning new and used vehicles using less than five gallons per vehicle to prepare for display in a dealer's show room, upon receipt from the manufacturer or prior owner, and following a sale prior to delivery to the purchaser; and

(d)           Cleaning of construction, emergency, transport or public transportation vehicles if necessary to preserve the proper functioning and safe operation of the vehicle.

(5)           The use of water for washing impervious and paved surfaces is prohibited, except for:

(a)           Prewashing in preparation for painting, recoating or sealing; and

(b)           Applying at the minimum rate necessary for sanitation and public health purposes.

(6)           The use of water for ornamental fountains, artificial waterfalls, misting machines, reflecting pools, and ornamental ponds is prohibited, except for the minimum amount of make-up water necessary to maintain aquatic life.

(7)           The use of water for power washing of buildings and other structures is prohibited except when necessary to meet federal, state and local public health and safety requirements.

(8)           The use of water for flushing sewer lines is prohibited except when necessary to meet public health and safety standards.

(9)           The use of water from fire hydrants is prohibited, except for:

(a)           Fighting fire and fire protection purposes;

(b)           Testing or training if it is necessary to protect public safety and has been approved by the applicable water purveyor; and

(c)           Flushing of potable water lines to protect the public health.

(10)         The filling of family, public or private swimming pools, including hot tubs, spas and whirlpool tubs, is prohibited, except:

(a)           For health and rehabilitative purposes as prescribed by a medical doctor or administered by a medical facility; and

(b)           For the minimal amount of make-up water necessary to maintain a pool's structural integrity and filtration system.

(11)         The serving of water in eating and drinking establishments shall be done on customer request only.

(12)         Water shall be applied at the minimum rate necessary to maintain effective dust and erosion control during the construction of roads and highways initiated prior to the declaration of an Extreme Drought by the NCMDAC.

 

History Note:        Authority S.L. 2002-167;

Eff. March 19, 2007.