(A) The County Manager may declare a Stage 3 water shortage condition after considering the factors listed in § 50.05 and determining that the shortage is significantly more urgent than the Stage 2 level.
(B) Upon the declaration of a Stage 3 water shortage condition, and until the time as the declaration of water shortage has been rescinded, it shall be unlawful for any person or entity to use or permit the use of water from the county water system for any of the following purposes:
(1) To induce water into any pool;
(2) To use water outside a structure for any use other than an emergency involving a fire; however, shrubbery, trees, flowers, or vegetable gardens may be watered by use of a hand-held hose with an automatic cut-off; and/or
(3) To operate an evaporative air conditioner which recycles water, except during operating hours of business.
(C) The goal for a Stage 3 water shortage condition is to reduce water usage by 10% to 20% from a normal level.
(D) In addition, during a Stage 3 water shortage condition, the following guidelines shall apply: fire protection shall be maintained wherever possible by drafting of ponds, rivers, and the like, and all eating establishments shall be encouraged to use disposable plates and utensils.
(E) Violations of this section.
(1) Any violation of a provision of this section shall constitute a Class 3 misdemeanor, punishable upon conviction as provided in G.S. § 14-4 by a maximum fine of $500.
(2) In addition to the other remedies cited in this section for the enforcement of its provisions, and pursuant to G.S. § 153A-123, the regulations in this subchapter may be enforced through the issuance of civil penalties by the Public Works Department. First offense penalties may be assessed at the rate of $50 per offense. If the offender continues to violate the provisions of this subchapter, the second offense may be assessed in the amount of $250 and the third or greater offense may be assessed in the amount of $500. If the offender fails to pay the civil penalties within five days after having been cited, the county may either add the amount of the penalties to the offender’s next water bill or recover the penalties in a civil action in the nature of debt. Offenders who fail to pay any such penalties added onto their water bills will be subject to disconnection of service as provided in § 50.10.
(3) In addition to, or in lieu of, the foregoing, pursuant to G.S. § 153A-123, the county may seek a mandatory or prohibitory injunction and/or an order of abatement commanding the offender to correct the unlawful condition or cease the unlawful activity.
(Ord. passed 6-4-2007; Ord. passed 3-21-2022)