Drought Response: Town of Troutman implements voluntary lawn and landscape irrigation schedule

Posted on by Mike Fuhrman

Special to IFN

The Town of Troutman is currently experiencing moderate drought conditions, as declared by the N.C. Drought Management Advisory Council (NCDMAC). This announcement follows the recent update to the North Carolina Drought Advisory, based on data from the U.S. Drought Monitor of North Carolina, issued on July 2.

In accordance with the Town of Troutman Water Shortage Response Plan, the Town of Troutman is implementing a voluntary lawn and landscape irrigation schedule to help manage water use during this period. Staff encourages residents to adhere to the following schedule:

Voluntary Lawn and Landscape Irrigation Schedule

Even-numbered street addresses:
♦ Tuesday 8 p.m. to Wednesday 8 a.m.
♦ Saturday 8 p.m. to Sunday 8 a.m.

Odd-numbered street addresses and unnumbered addresses:
♦ Thursday 8 p.m. to Friday 8 a.m.
♦ Sunday 8 p.m. to Monday 8 a.m.

In addition to reducing water through a reduced daily irrigation schedule, residents are also encouraged to voluntarily reduce residential vehicle washing.

10 Ways to Conserve Water

1. Water your lawn only when it needs it. Step on your grass. If it springs back, when you lift your foot, it doesn’t need water. So setting your sprinklers for more days in between watering can save 750-1,500 gallons per month. Better yet, especially in times of drought, water with a hose.

2. Fixing leaky faucets and plumbing joints can save 20 gallons per day for every leak stopped.

3. Don’t run the hose while washing your car. Use a bucket of water and a quick hose rinse at the end. This can save 150 gallons each time. For a two-car family that’s up to 1,200 gallons a month.

4. Installing water-saving showerheads or flow restrictors can save 500 to 800 gallons per month.

5. Running only full loads in the washing machine and dishwasher can save 300 to 800 gallons per month.

6. Shorten your showers. Even a one or two-minute reduction can save up to 700 gallons per month.

7. Using a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways and sidewalks can save 150 gallons or more each time. At once a week, that’s more than 600 gallons a month.

8. Don’t use your toilet as an ashtray or wastebasket. This can save 400 to 600 gallons per month.

9. Capture tap water. While you wait for hot water to come down the pipes, catch the flow in a watering can to use later on house plants or your garden. This can save 200 to 300 gallons per month.

10. Turning off the water while brushing your teeth can save three gallons each day.

Town staff will continue to monitor drought conditions and take further measures as deemed necessary by the NCDMAC. If additional actions are required to achieve water use goals, the director may publish further voluntary conservation measures or impose mandatory water conservation measures at city facilities.