As drought conditions continue to impact Sampson and much of North Carolina, county officials are asking residents to do their part to help preserve the area’s water supply.
Effective Tuesday, July 7, Sampson County Public Works implemented Stage 1 voluntary water conservation measures, marking the county’s first level of drought response. While the restrictions are voluntary, Interim Public Works Director Ashley Holland said residents’ participation will play an important role in protecting local water resources and delaying the need for more stringent conservation measures.
“Water conservation is important during these harsh times because it helps to slow the consumption and usage of already depleted water sources,” Holland explained. “It gives the sources a chance to replenish naturally, if possible, and helps prolong tighter restrictions from being enforced.”
Holland confirmed the county’s decision to enter Stage 1 conservation is a direct result of the drought conditions currently affecting the region.
“The benefits of these voluntary measures are to bring awareness of the situation that the county and state are in due to the drought and to help conserve as much water as possible for future use,” he said.
Under the Stage 1 guidelines, residents are encouraged to continue practicing everyday water conservation while also taking additional voluntary steps to reduce water consumption.
Those measures include limiting the use of washing machines and dishwashers by only operating them with full loads, reducing unnecessary toilet flushing, watering lawns only when grass begins showing signs of withering, and applying water slowly enough to allow it to soak into the ground. Residents are also encouraged to water shrubs only as needed and reuse household water whenever practical.
In addition to the Stage 1 recommendations, the county is reminding residents to follow continuous water conservation practices, including checking toilets annually for leaks, repairing dripping faucets promptly, storing drinking water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap until it becomes cold, taking shorter showers, turning off faucets while shaving or washing dishes, installing low-flow showerheads and water-saving toilet devices when possible, washing only full loads of laundry and dishes, and avoiding the use of toilets as trash cans.
Holland said the voluntary conservation measures will remain in effect until further notice.
County officials encourage all residents to participate, noting that even small reductions in daily water use can collectively help preserve the community’s water supply while drought conditions persist.