Mount Olive officials issue town's set of voluntary water restrictions
By Kenneth Fine
Published in News on November 9, 2007 2:01 PM
MOUNT OLIVE -- Town officials are asking residents to conserve water voluntarily -- even if the need to do so is not pressing.
Town Manager Charles Brown said despite the fact that Mount Olive is one of the only municipalities in the state with a "solid" water supply, it does not seem right to watch neighbors in Goldsboro and other towns "eat Beanie Weenies while we eat steak."
"Our feeling was the right thing to do was to put some sort of resolution in place," Brown said. "We have neighbors down in Goldsboro who aren't as fortunate as we are."
No fines or mandatory measures are expected.
Commissioner Hosea Manley agreed with Brown.
"Let's conserve," he said. "Let's cut back."
Other commissioners said they felt the same way -- even if the well levels in town have stayed normal during the drought.
It is simply the "prudent" thing to do, they said.
Brown said he hopes at the very least, the resolution will show residents just how precious a resource water is -- a notion that has likely been adopted by residents in the past, leaving normal conditions in town despite the record drought.
"I think the right thing to do, just in the spirit of what the governor is asking, is to pass a resolution asking for voluntary conservation," he said.
The following conservation tips are also available at Town Hall.
* Use dishwashers only when they are full. When washing dishes by hand, do not let the water run.
* Adjust water levels on washing machines where possible. Run only full loads.
* Limit toilet flushes. Do not use the toilet as a trash can.
* Use sink and tub stoppers to avoid wasting water.
* Fix leaks.
* Take shorter showers and shallow baths. This can save up to 25 gallons.
* Turn off shower while applying soap and shampoo.
* Use paper plates and disposable utensils when possible.
* Keep a bottle of chilled water in the refrigerator for drinking.
* Try to water lawns in the early morning and late afternoon to avoid losing water to evaporation.
* Water thoroughly, not frequently.
* Do not allow children to play with the hose or sprinkler.
* Limit car washing.
* Catch rainfall in containers and use it for watering plants and gardens.