Mandatory water restrictions are now in effect for customers in the Town of Aberdeen as officials work to reduce demand and protect the community’s long-term water supply.
The Stage II Mandatory Water Reduction Level 1 restrictions took effect at 8 a.m. Friday, according to the Town of Aberdeen.
Town officials said the restrictions are intended to reduce water demand, prevent continuous over-pumping of the town’s water supply wells and protect the long-term reliability of Aberdeen’s water system.
While the town is not currently experiencing a water supply shortage, officials said ongoing drought conditions and limited rainfall this month have created operational strain on refilling elevated storage tanks.
Under the mandatory restrictions, all water customers are required to reduce their water consumption by at least 10% compared with the previous month’s usage.
Residents and businesses are asked to help conserve water by:
- Repairing leaks in plumbing, faucets and toilets as quickly as possible.
- Watering lawns only when necessary and only between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m.
- Limiting landscape irrigation to one-half inch of water per week.
- Avoiding washing driveways, sidewalks and other impervious surfaces except for health or safety reasons.
- Limiting water-intensive testing and training activities.
- Taking showers instead of baths whenever possible and limiting showers to five minutes.
- Turning off faucets while brushing teeth, shaving or rinsing dishes.
- Operating clothes washers and dishwashers only with full loads.
- Minimizing car washing.
- Using biodegradable disposable dishes and utensils when practical.
Town officials said they will continue monitoring water system and drought conditions daily and will provide weekly updates as needed.
The town also thanked residents and businesses for their cooperation, saying that conserving water now can help avoid the need for additional mandatory restrictions in the future.
