Fuquay Varina board authorizes town manager to implement stage‑1 water shortage measures

The Fuquay Varina Town Board on April 21 voted to authorize the town manager to implement the town’s water shortage response plan beginning with Stage 1 conservation measures.

Public Utilities Director Wagner told the board the town’s ordinance establishes three conservation stages with targets of a 10% reduction for Stage 1, 20% for Stage 2 and 30% for Stage 3. He said Stage 1 aligns with partner requirements and the town’s bulk water purchase agreements, and that failing to implement required conservation could violate intergovernmental agreements.

Wagner summarized Stage 1 restrictions: scheduled outdoor watering by odd/even street numbers (even‑numbered addresses: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday; odd‑numbered addresses: Wednesday, Friday, Sunday), prohibition on washing driveways and exterior surfaces except by businesses regularly engaged in such services, limits on filling new pools or refilling existing ones, and exceptions allowing hand watering when necessary and irrigation via drip systems. He said customers may apply for limited permits for newly installed sod or seed to protect investments.

Commissioners questioned supply sources and the consequences of noncompliance. Wagner said the town receives water from the City of Raleigh, Johnson County and Harnett County; because the town is a bulk customer of Raleigh, it is contractually obliged to follow supplier conservation steps. The board adopted the resolution authorizing the town manager to implement the plan.

Town Manager Adam Mitchell said the communications team would notify the public and that restrictions would go into effect at midnight April 24.