News
February 12, 2008
Development Related Stage 2 Water Restrictions Explained
Beginning February 15, 2008 Stage 2 Mandatory Water Conservation will be in effect. Below is an outline of all the issues that directly affect building and development.
- Landscape Permits: New landscape establishment permits will not be issued.
- Swimming Pools: Permits for swimming pools will continue to be issued, however; filling new swimming or wading pools with Raleigh supplied drinking water is prohibited. Filling of pools drained for repair after the effective date of Stage 2 mandatory restrictions and rules is prohibited. Potable water may be added to pools to maintain sanitary operating conditions. Filling of pools with potable water purchased from another source other than the City of Raleigh’s water system is acceptable, however, the customer must provide proof of purchase.
- Power Washing: Washing of areas such as sidewalks, patios, decks, driveways, parking lots, streets and exterior building surfaces is strictly prohibited; however, reuse water can be used for this purpose. Current reuse regulations do not permit runoff into storm drains or into waters of the state. Person’s observed washing such areas must provide proof of purchase of reuse water or potable water purchased from another source (not Raleigh supplied water).
- New Connections to Water Mains: Water use for the purpose of filling, flushing, pressure and bacteriological testing of new water main extensions permitted by the City of Raleigh after February 14, 2008 is strictly prohibited. All Infrastructure Construction Plans approved on or after February 15, 2008 will be stamped “For Construction Only”. New water and sewer mains may be constructed, but not filled with water for testing or flushing. Since water service taps are required to be made under pressure, no taps may be made on new mains. Once the Stage 2 Water Conservation Measures are lifted, the Public Utilities Department will issue permits for “Operation" of the new systems that were previously issued “Construction Only” permits. At which time, the mains may be filled, flushed and tested, and the service taps may be made.
- Exception to Water Main Testing: New water mains may be filled and tested with Raleigh supplied water as long as all flushing and testing water is completely captured in tanker trucks that have been previously certified for use in water recycling by the City Public Utilities Director. Captured flushing and testing water must be hauled to the EM Johnson Water Treatment Plant on Falls of Neuse Road and placed back into the raw water supply. All direct City costs associated with certification of tankers, testing, inspection, transport and recycling, including the cost of the water, shall be recovered by the City as determined by the Public Utilities Director, for water main extensions constructed by private sector development, prior to these water main being permitted for operation, service and certificates of occupancy issued for facilities served from the water mains.
Currently the City of Raleigh has contracted with five 6,000-gallon tanker trucks that have been approved for capturing water. These trucks will be made available to private contractors on a first come first served basis.
Visit these links for more information:
What is the procedure to schedule a City certified tanker truck for testing of new water main and fire systems?
What are the requirements for tanker truck certification for hauling recaptured water?
The conditions for lifting Stage 2 Water Mandatory Conservation have not yet been established by the City Council. This will be a topic of discussion in upcoming council meetings.
Prepared by:
Sharon Felton
Development Services Public Information Officer
City Manager Department
For More Information Contact:
Robert Massengill
Assistant Public Utilities Director
Public Utilities Department
One Exchange Plaza
Raleigh, NC 27602
919-857-4543
|
