Smithfield issues voluntary water conservation request
The request is due to a state drought watch released by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality.
In accordance with the Water Conservation and Water Supply Emergency Ordinance adopted by the Smithfield Town Council on August 7, 2007 Smithfield Town Manager has declared a Condition 1 alert: “When moderate but limited supplies of water are available, the Town Manager shall, through appropriate means, call upon the general population to employ prudent restraint in water usage, and to conserve voluntarily by whatever methods available.”
This requested curtailment of less essential usage of water includes all town customers connected to the public water system, as well as residents of Gatling Pointe, Gatling Pointe South and Battery Park who are connected to the county’s public water system.
Water is a precious natural resource and the amount of groundwater the town can withdraw each month is limited. Thus we are promoting the following conservation recommendations:
Indoor Water Usage
More than 60% of water used indoors is for flushing toilets, washing clothes, and showering. To reduce consumption:
•Take shorter showers with a goal of five minutes or less;
•Do not leave faucets running while brushing teeth, shaving or washing dishes. A running faucet uses approximately one gallon of water per minute;
•Run dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads;
•Check faucets and toilets for costly and wasteful leaks and make repairs.
Outdoor Water Usage
Car washing and landscaping can lead to high water consumption. During dry spells, lawn-watering can account for as much as three-quarters of total household water usage.
•Reduce evaporation by watering your lawn in the morning, before 6:00 a.m., avoiding wasted water during the heat of the day and direct sunlight.
•Use a commercial car wash that recycles water or wash vehicles using a bucket of water instead of a running hose.
A condition 2 declaration may be imminent if water supply becomes very limited or if our system withdrawal amounts exceed permitted levels. Under this condition the town would need to temporarily limit less essential usage of water including such as irrigation of lawns and plants and washing of cars. The Town of Smithfield thanks everyone for their cooperation and understanding.
