FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE

DROUGHT

Drought is a word that can be complex, confusing, and even frightening. Spartanburg Water wants you to have the facts about the drought we are all facing so you can make informed decisions about your response to it. Although Spartanburg County is currently in a much better position than many of our neighbors to the south, predictions are for less than normal rainfall during the winter and spring. That means we must all work together to adjust our behavior before the summer watering season in a few months. This is a challenge impacting our entire community – working in partnership is our best response. Thank you for your continued stewardship of our local water resources!

What stage of drought is Spartanburg in?

The State’s Drought Response Committee has declared Spartanburg to be in “severe drought.” That’s just one stage away from the worst – “extreme drought.” If Spartanburg is upgraded to extreme, the State could impose restrictions on water use and withdrawals from area waterways. Detailed information about the State’s drought response plans can be viewed at www.dnr.sc.gov/climate/sco/ .

What are the current levels of Lakes Bowen and Blalock?

To see current lake levels as reported by the United States Geological Survey, click on the links below.

Lake Bowen Lake Level

Lake Blalock Lake Level

How does Spartanburg compare to other communities facing the drought?

Thanks to planning, Spartanburg is in a better position than many. Construction completed in 2006 to raise water levels in Lake Blalock added 2.6 billion gallons of water storage capacity to the reservoir. That means that even though the lakes are down, we are still better off than we were in 2002 when mandatory water use restrictions were required.

If that’s the case, why did SWS ask for voluntary water restrictions?

While proper planning has left SWS in a position to meet the needs of our customers at this time, it’s important that we all start to conserve to ensure enough for the future. Predictions from the State Climatologist’s office are for lower than normal rainfall averages during this winter and spring. Traditionally, those are the months we get the rain needed to refill streams and lakes depleted during the hot summer months. Without this “recharge” of area waterways, we will be starting with lower than normal water supplies next summer. Asking for voluntary conservation now could prevent mandatory restrictions later.

What kinds of things should we do?

The irrigation of lawns and gardens accounts for about one-third of all residential water use. That’s why the voluntary restrictions are aimed at cutting down or eliminating outdoor water use. We’re asking customers to follow this guideline:

Customers with rural routes or addresses ending in 0, 2,4,6,8 should water only on days of the month ending in even numbers.

Customers with rural routes or addresses ending in 1,3,5,7,9 are asked to water only on days of the month ending in odd numbers.

I don’t normally water my lawn that often – should I water when it’s my day to make sure I get enough?

Great question! The answer is no. Studies have shown that during a drought when water restrictions are imposed, the biggest cause of dead grass is root rot from over-watering. Most grass needs no more than 1-inch of water every 7 to 10 days (place an empty tuna can in the path of your sprinkler – when it’s full, that’s an inch). Over-watering grass also makes it less drought tolerant, meaning the more water you give it, the more water it needs.

Should I also cut back on the amount of water I use indoors?

Yes, and the good news is, saving water means saving money. You can control how much you spend for water by adopting simple conservation measures – now that’s a win-win!

Shouldn’t SWS issue mandatory restrictions now, before the situation gets worse?

We believe the Spartanburg community will come together voluntarily to reduce water usage. Enforcing mandatory water restrictions is difficult and expensive, and outdoor water use is already down at this time of year. Asking customers to cut their water usage now gives us all time to prepare and adjust our habits before the hot summer months when water consumption increases.

What is SWS doing to help customers conserve?

Conservation is something we should be doing all the time, not just in times of drought, so we have lots of ways to help! Our web site, www.Spartanburgwater.org, offers practical tips everyone can follow, and we’ve been at community events encouraging everyone to be Water Wise. Anyone who suspects a leak at their home or business can arrange to have our staff come out and take a look. We are also leading by example - there is a Water Wise Garden in front of the Main Office at 200 Commerce Street to educate customers about plants that use less water. We are partnering with USC-Upstate and Wofford College to provide conservation information to local schools, and our staff regularly gives presentations to civic and school meetings. Information is also available from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency website, www.epa.gov/watersense.

What if the drought continues?

We estimate it will take 6 to 8 inches of rain - in excess of normal rainfall - to restore the water storage needed in our reservoirs. The reservoirs could fill rather quickly with a strong storm, or it could take months of rain an inch or two above normal to recharge them. That means it may take several months of steady rainfall for the watershed and ground water levels to return to normal. We will continue to monitor the situation daily from now into the spring when water demand starts to go up again. If conditions worsen, we may have to consider mandatory restrictions.

Are there any restrictions for boaters?

Both lakes are open for recreation, and there are no boating restrictions at this time. Lake levels are indicated at the landings and on the bridges for both lakes so boaters will be aware of the levels and avoid areas of shallow water. Gravel has been added at the boat ramps to make it easier for boats to be launched.

What if I have more questions?

Contact our customer service office at 582-6375 or check our website at www.Spartanburgwater.org. We appreciate your interest and everything you’re doing to conserve!

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