China Grove is joining Landis in calling for voluntary conservation of water as water supplies disappear.

China Grove Mayor Joe Sloop renewed the call for voluntary conservation today. Last week Sloop urged residents and businesses to conserve water.

Sloop said he is staying in close contact with Landis officials as they monitor lake levels.

On Monday, Landis declared a water emergency and instituted voluntary restrictions.

Wright and Corriher lakes have fallen nearly six feet below the full stage as the area approaches a record of 40 days without measurable rainfall. It hasn’t rained since Sept. 23.

“We ask all water users to conserve as much as possible,” said Landis Public Works Director Tommy Branch. “We need rain.”

Without significant rainfall in the next few weeks, residents face mandatory restrictions, which were last imposed in 1986.

Landis supplies half or more of the daily water used in China Grove.

Sloop said water use has dropped in China Grove in the past few days. “People are trying to be good citizens,” he said .

Landis officials have issued a list of voluntary conservation measures. All businesses and schools are encouraged to conserve water.

Many of those have already agreed to eliminate outside watering and taken other steps to reduce use.

The suggestions include:

• Limit watering of lawns and plants to that necessary for survival only.
• Defer planting new lawns or plants until the water emergency passes.
• Reuse household water for plants when possible.
• Curtail washing outside areas and vehicles.
• Do not leave faucets running while brushing teeth, washing dishes, etc.
• Limit use of washing machines and dishwashers to only full loads.
• Limit showers to four minutes.

Anyone with questions should call the Landis Public Works Department at 857-0131 or the China Grove Public Works Department at 857-7720.