Rocky Mount Institutes Mandatory Water Conservation

The Town of Rocky Mount instituted mandatory water conservation measures Monday morning in an effort to slow water use in response to severe drought.

All water customers will receive a notice in the mail Tuesday to immediately begin mandatory conservation.

“Continued drought, little rainfall and steady water use all mean that our lack of water has become more critical, and so I call upon you as citizens and good neighbors to do everything you can to reduce water use in your household and at work,” said Town Manager James Ervin in a letter to all water customers.

Even with rain showers possible in the coming week, the August rain deficit dictates that mandatory conservation go into effect until the Blackwater River returns to better flow.

“Our water levels on the Blackwater are lower than at any other point since the Town water plant was constructed,” said Ervin. “This is an urgent need that requires the immediate and ongoing attention of all our residents, businesses and industries.”

Mandatory conservation requires the following:

• No watering of plants or lawns (with limited exceptions)
• No filling of swimming pools
• No operation of outdoor fountains
• No washing of buildings, walks or vehicles (vehicles may be washed at commercial car washes)
• No water service in restaurants unless requested by the customer
• Customers urged to take shorter showers and recycle bath water for watering plants
• Customers can call 483-0907 to report water abuse (use of sprinklers & hoses for watering, washing cars, etc.)

The Town requested voluntary conservation at the end of July, but water use has not declined while river flow has reached levels worse than the 2002 drought.

Click here to view a letter to water customers.
Click here to view the Declaration of Water Supply Emergency.