Recent rains have led to increased stream flows in the area. As a result, water use restrictions for customers of Concord, Kannapolis, Harrisburg, Landis and Mount Pleasant are amended effective midnight Saturday. These restrictions apply to the use of water sold by these municipalities.

The following activities will be permitted only on Saturdays:

- Residential car washing will be allowed using a hand-held hose or pressure washer, both equipped with a spring-loaded nozzle.

- Lawn irrigation using any type of system shall be permitted (in-ground systems, soaker hoses, oscillating sprinklers, etc).

- Residential use of water for washing down outside areas using a hand-held hose or pressure washer, both equipped with a spring-loaded nozzle.

The following activities are permitted only on Tuesdays and Saturdays:

Watering of trees, flowers, shrubs, ornamental plants and vegetable gardens for plant preservation using a hand-held hose equipped with a spring-loaded nozzle.

The following activities will be allowed under the modifications to the Level III Mandatory Water Restrictions:

- Irrigation services may be installed and activated.

- Filling of swimming pools by permit. Topping off of previously filled pools is still acceptable at any time.

- Pressure washing businesses with an appropriate privilege license are still allowed to use water for their normal business activities at any time. These businesses will continue to ensure that the waste of water does not occur.

All other restrictions remain in effect.

These modifications are in compliance with the Concord/Kannapolis Interbasin Transfer Certificate and with the guidelines set forth by Duke Management Advisory Group.

Citizens are reminded to conserve water and remain diligent in their conservation efforts. Customers are reminded to pursue projects cautiously given the persistent drought conditions and should remain aware of current water-use restrictions as published.

"We will continue to monitor the stream flows and water levels," said Concord City Manager Brian Hiatt. "Water usage may become more limited again in the future if stream levels, lake levels or rainfall amounts indicate a need to reinstate more stringent water conservation methods. Continued water conservation is imperative in the event drought conditions worsen to prior levels. Concord will maintain the current water rate schedule incorporating pricing that encourages conservation"

Kannapolis City Manager Mike Legg added, "While we are relaxing the restrictions, we encourage our residents to remain diligent and limit water use wherever possible. Even with our recent rain events, our cities will need to continue to conserve water whether we are under drought conditions or not."

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