REIDSVILLE, N.C. (ABC45) — The City of Reidsville is asking residents and businesses to conserve water as extreme drought conditions continue across the Piedmont Triad. The city has declared a Stage 1 water conservation alert after water levels at Lake Reidsville, its primary water supply, dropped more than three feet because of inconsistent rainfall and above-normal temperatures.
The move comes as Greensboro has also begun taking steps to conserve water amid ongoing drought conditions. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor cited in the city's announcement, Rockingham County is among nine counties in central North Carolina experiencing extreme drought conditions. Mourice "Moe" Brothers, Reidsville's public works director, said Lake Reidsville plays a critical role in supplying water to the community.
"It's a no-brainer for us because we utilize it for bathing, drinking, and all those things," Brothers said.
While the city has Lake Hunt as a secondary water source, Brothers said it is significantly smaller than Lake Reidsville. Under the Stage 1 alert, all water conservation measures are voluntary. City officials are encouraging residents and businesses to reduce unnecessary water use to help preserve the city's current supply.
The city recommends taking shorter showers, limiting car washes, and running dishwashers and washing machines only when they are full. Residents are also encouraged to turn off faucets while brushing their teeth or washing dishes, repair leaking fixtures, and avoid unnecessary outdoor water use.
For some Reidsville businesses, cutting back on water use means adjusting everyday operations. Victor Llamas, owner of El Parral Mexican Restaurant, said water is essential to keeping his business running.
"We use it to prepare our food, to cook it and to wash dishes," Llamas said.
Llamas, who has operated his restaurant in Reidsville for approximately 20 years, said he is already encouraging employees to conserve water by waiting until dishwasher racks are full before running them. As a Reidsville resident himself, Llamas said he is also encouraging his family and others in the community to be mindful of how much water they use at home.
"I tell people to be conscious about the water, to save the water. Don't waste it," Llamas said. "Because without water, it's hard to live."
With little rainfall expected in the near term, city officials say conserving water now could help avoid additional restrictions. Although Stage 1 measures are voluntary, the city could move into Stage 2 if conditions worsen and water supplies continue to decline. Brothers emphasized that the community must work together to preserve its water supply.
"Right now, where it's hot, it actually, it's not in our favor," Brothers said. "So anything that we can do collectively as a group to preserve, cut back, reduce is a benefit for the city."
Reidsville's Stage 1 water conservation alert begins Thursday evening. City officials say they will continue monitoring water levels at Lake Reidsville and other water sources throughout the alert to determine whether additional conservation measures are necessary.