Phase Two Water Restrictions
At the February 5,
2008 Raleigh City
Council Meeting, the
Council decided to enact
Phase Two water
restrictions on February
15. Previously, the Council voted to go into
Phase Two once Falls Lake fell below 90 days
supply. The Town of Garner is a member of the
Raleigh Water System and must adhere to all
water restrictions from the Raleigh Council.
Phase Two is the first action that directly effects
businesses in the area. Power washing, irrigation,
and car washes are banned without a special
permit from the City of Raleigh. A list of approved
car washes can be found at
www.raleighnc.gov.
The Council did make one exception. Builders
will be able to flush water lines. Flushing the
lines is a requirement for all new construction
before occupancy. Flushed water must be recaptured
in order to comply with this requirement
The Town of Garner is developing plans for reducing
water year round. The Planning Department
is recommending changes to the landscape
ordinance that will require developers to use a
particular plant bed preparation method. Also,
the Planning Department is recommending an
“Official” Plant List with plants that are drought
tolerant and native to the area.
Water-Wise
Garden Tips
Water-wise gardening is a collective way we
can all conserve natural resources for the community
at large. Due to our lack of rain, now is
a good time to plan ahead and to get on board
the water-wise gardening train. Follow these
few tips to start conserving water today:
• Mulch to conserve water in flower beds,
around trees, even in container gardens.
Mulch adds organic matter to the soil,
slows down moisture loss and assists in
weed control.
• Do not fertilize stressed plants until water
restrictions are lifted or the drought
breaks.
• Forgo fertilizing fescue lawns and allow
the grass to go dormant early by withholding
irrigation.
• Skip heavy pruning on shrubs and trees.
Pruning prompts new growth that stressed
root systems are unable to support. But do
prune damaged, diseased, dying or dead
branches and twigs, which can help combat
pests and diseases.
• Devote 25% of your property to native
tree and shrub gardens to save both money
and maintenance time.
Always know you can visit the Wake County
Master Gardener Waterwise Demonstration
Garden at Lake Crabtree County Park for plant
suggestions!
Garner NC Website
Garner NC Business Directory
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