107 complaints filed as Durham enters week two of water restrictions
DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- Durham received some much-needed rain Tuesday, but experts say it's nowhere near enough to pull the city out of its ongoing drought. The city is now in its second week of Stage 2 water restrictions.
Residents welcomed the brief downpour.
"Yeah, we needed the rain," said Peter Raider, who was headed to a haircut downtown. He said the dry conditions have been obvious across the city including at the Duke University Golf Course, where watering has been limited.
City officials say one rain event won't ease restrictions. Durham remains in "exceptional drought," the most severe category on the U.S. Drought Monitor. For the most part, water usage has dropped since Stage 2 began. Water officials say they're seeing water demand go down.
At Soif, a downtown coffee-and-cocktail bar, manager Mars Ward said customers immediately noticed a change. The business previously offered self-serve citrus-infused water, but under Stage 2 rules, restaurants can only serve water upon request.
"We're not supposed to serve water unless asked," Ward said. "Usually it's over there in the corner, and now it's vacant."
Though officials say many residents are doing their part to conserve, not everyone is following the rules. The city has received 107 complaints about possible violations. Penalties range from verbal warnings to fines of $100 to $250. Repeated violations could lead to water service being disconnected.
For many, Tuesday's rain still offered a moment of relief.
"It's always exciting to see some rain when things are a little too dry," said resident Brittany Snedeker.
The last major drought in North Carolina occurred in 2007-2008, prompting Durham to establish its Water Shortage Response Plan.
