Residents and businesses supplied by the Caroline County public water system are being asked to operate their automatic and manual watering systems on alternating days due to severe drought conditions in the county.
The request, which is effective immediately, comes as the county is in the midst of a severe drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor map. Forecasts indicate the drought is expected to continue over the next 30 days.
“These conditions, combined with increased seasonal irrigation demand, have resulted in higher-than-normal water usage across the system,” a release from the county stated.
The release also noted that in recent days more than 200 homes operated irrigation systems simultaneously, exceeding typical domestic use and putting a strain on the county’s water storage and treatment capacity.
The Level 1 restrictions put in place allow the watering of lawns and gardens on alternating days; permits handheld watering with a hose, trigger nozzle, bucket or watering can; allows vehicle washing using a bucket, watering can, high-pressure cleaning unit, or commercial car wash, but a hose is only permitted with a trigger nozzle for rinsing; pools and spas over 1,000 gallons require approval from the county’s public utilities department.
The county requests that residents and businesses with odd-numbered addresses water on odd days of the month such as the first, third, fifth, etc. Residents and businesses with even-numbered addresses may water on even days. Locations without an address are considered even-numbered.
“We appreciate the public’s cooperation with adhering to these Level 1 restrictions,” the county release stated. “With your help, we can maintain adequate water storage levels, ensure consistent water pressure systemwide, protect critical infrastructure and continue to meet all residential, commercial, and public safety water demands.”
Public Utilities will continue to monitor the drought conditions. For more information, residents and business owners can call Public Utilities at 804-633-4390.
