The Family Beach

Brunswick   County Moves from Stage 3 to Stage 2 Water Restrictions

Due to encouraging trends in drought   conditions, water usage and system demands, Brunswick County has moved from a   Stage 3 Water Shortage Warning to a Stage 2 Mandatory Water Conservation   Alert. Under Stage 2, some water restrictions are reduced or removed and the   automatic irrigation schedule is expanded.

Stage 2 - Key   Reminders & Main Restrictions

This is a select list of some of the   main differences under a Stage 2 Mandatory Water Conservation Alert. See the   full list on the website at BrunswickCountyNC.gov/WaterWise.

· Automated outdoor irrigation days are increased. Under   this Stage 2 Irrigation Schedule, water customers may only water lawns and   landscaping with automatic irrigation systems (spray irrigation, drip   irrigation, etc.) less than one inch of water per week, between the hours of   8:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. on their designated days.

· Properties with odd-numbered addresses (ending in 1, 3, 5, 7, 9) and non-addressed facilities may irrigate anytime during the following 8-hour periods: 

· From 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday through 4:00 a.m. Wednesday

· From 8:00 p.m. on  Thursday through 4:00 a.m. Friday

· From 8:00 p.m. on Saturday through 4 a.m. Sunday 

· Properties  with even-numbered addresses (ending in 2, 4, 6, 8, 0) may irrigate anytime   during the following 8-hour periods: 

· From 8:00 p.m. on   Wednesday through 4:00 a.m. Thursday

· From 8:00 p.m. on   Friday through 4:00 a.m. Saturday

· From 8:00 p.m. on   Sunday through 4:00 a.m. Monday

· The installation of sod is not recommended while under the   Stage 2 mandatory irrigation schedule and water restrictions.

· Power Washing: The use of water for power washing   buildings and other structures is prohibited except by licensed commercial   businesses and when necessary to meet federal, state, and local public health   and safety requirements.

· Washing Impervious and Paved Surfaces: The use of water   for washing impervious and paved surfaces is prohibited, except for using the   minimum rate necessary for sanitation and public health purposes; and   prewashing in preparation for painting, recoating, or sealing. 

· Washing or cleaning mobile equipment including   automobiles, trucks, boats and fleet vehicles with a hand-held hose with an automatic shutoff device using less than five gallons per vehicle is allowed.  See the full list of requirements for Buildings, Vehicles, and Pavement on  the county's website at BrunswickCountyNC.gov/WaterWise. 

· The filling of family, public, or private swimming pools,   including wading pools, hot tubs, spas, and whirlpool tubs, is prohibited,  except for: 

· Health and  rehabilitative purposes as prescribed by a medical doctor or administered by  a medical facility (documentation of fill dates to be provided upon request);

· The minimal amount  of make-up water necessary to maintain a pool's structural integrity and filtration system (documentation to be provided upon request); and

· The minimal amount of water required to initially fill a pool to meet the manufacturer’s or designer’s requirements for structural integrity.

A full list of MANDATORY water usage adjustments and any exceptions, as well as penalties (fees) for violations, can be found online at BrunswickCountyNC.gov/WaterWise.

Update - Stage 2 Water Restrictions 

The Town of Holden Beach, in consultation with the County, has reopened the showers at beach accesses as of this morning. 

The splash pad at Bridgeview Park will be open on Fridays, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

We will continue to monitor the situation and make any necessary changes should they be needed.