Rocky Mount declares Stage One water conservation; electric utility honored with national awards

City Manager Elton Daniel told the council the city has implemented mandatory Stage One water conservation under the municipal drought management implementation plan because of ongoing drought conditions. The stage imposes restrictions on irrigation—limited days and times—and additional constraints on vehicle washing and certain city facility uses to reduce demand and preserve water resources.

Daniel said additional details, including the full irrigation schedule and conservation requirements, are available on the city website and official communications channels. He also reported vandalism at City Lake on May 30 that cut the flag rope, stole the flag, damaged the light, and will cost about $4,000 to repair; the city has the replacement flag and plans to elevate the rope box to reduce future tampering.

Separately, a visiting representative who identified themselves as a chief strategy officer recognized the Rocky Mount Electric Department for three awards from the American Public Power Association: the Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3) Diamond designation (Rocky Mount scored 98/100), Smart Energy Provider certification, and the Safety Award of Excellence. The presenter said those honors reflect reliability, workforce and system planning, customer service, sustainability and public safety efforts and praised the utility staff for national leadership and mentoring of peer utilities.

Council members thanked utility staff and applauded the recognitions. The water conservation declaration is effective immediately; staff will provide residents with schedules and guidance online.