Now that Henrico has announced mandatory water restrictios, here are the rules on what is and what is not permitted.

The recent dry weather pattern has caused low water levels in the James River. In response, Henrico County Manager Virgil R. Hazelett, P.E. has announced the implementation of mandatory water restrictions for all Henrico public water customers, effective today, August 21, 2008.

Goochland County water customers served by the Henrico public water system also are under mandatory water restrictions.

Compliance with the measures will help Henrico County provide water to all of their customers while also meeting the permit requirements from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality.

“Henrico County is concerned about the low water levels in the James River,” Hazelett said. “We want to do our part in being good stewards of the environment by declaring mandatory water conservation.”

If significant rainfall eliminates the current low water levels, these mandatory water conservation measures will be lifted.

HENRICO COUNTY MANDATORY WATER CONSERVATION MEASURES

CATEGORY MANDATORY CONSERVATION MEASURE
Fountains Water use is prohibited.

Paved areas Washing is prohibited except for health and safety requirements.

Swimming pools Filling and replenishing to maintain health and safety are permitted. New or repaired pools may be filled as needed to maintain their structural integrity. All other uses are prohibited.

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Vehicle washing Non-commercial washing of vehicles is prohibited, except construction, emergency or public transportation vehicles may be washed as needed to preserve their proper functioning and safe operation. Commercial vehicle washing businesses are permitted to operate under normal conditions.
Established landscaping Watering is limited to three days per week by address. Addresses ending with an odd number may water only on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Addresses ending with an even number, or with no number, may water only on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. No watering is allowed on Mondays. Bucket watering (five gallon maximum size) is permitted any time.

Established lawns Watering is prohibited. Bucket watering (five gallon maximum size) is permitted any time.

New landscaping Watering is permitted for the first 30 days after planting. Thereafter, the restriction for established landscaping shall apply.

New lawns Watering is permitted for the first 30 days after sodding or seeding. Thereafter, the restriction for established lawns shall apply. New lawns do not include refurbishment of established lawns by means of aeration and seeding, dethatching and seeding, or power overseeding.

Restaurants Water shall be served to customers only upon request.

Golf courses Watering is prohibited from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., except for the watering of greens or watering by hand-held hoses that are one inch or smaller in diameter.

All other businesses Water use is limited to uses essential for business use and human hygiene.

Athletic fields Athletic fields may be watered only between 8 p.m. and 10 a.m. and only at a rate not exceeding a total of one inch during any ten-day period.

Violations of the mandatory restrictions will result in a written warning for the first violation, a $50 fine for the second, and a $100 fine for each subsequent violation; fines will be imposed on the violator’s water bill. Notice will be given when the mandatory restrictions are no longer in effect.

To obtain a copy of the entire text of the Water Shortages ordinance, log on to www.co.henrico.va.us and click on the link. Call 501-4275 for additional information or to report a violation.