Please remember that during Stage II (Mandatory) Water Restrictions, sprinkler systems are not allowed. To water lawns, grass, shrubbery, trees, flowers and vegetable gardens you must use a hand-held hose, container or drip irrigation system.
Also, regarding pressure washing: In order to conduct pressure washing inside the town limits you must obtain a one-time, one-day permit from Water Plant Superintendent Betty Jones, who can be contacted at (828)859.9525.
26 June 2008
17 June 2008
Tryon urges continued water conservation
from the Tryon Daily Bulletin:
Written by by Chris Dailey
Tuesday, 17 June 2008
After ending 2007 with a precipitation deficit of about 23 inches, the local area appeared to be coming out of the extreme drought with near normal rainfall earlier this year.
Then May arrived. The area received just 2.22 inches of rain in May, according to observations for the National Weather Service in Tryon. June hasn’t been any better. The area has received only about 0.6 inches of rain so far this month.
Not only has it been dry, but it’s also been exceptionally hot. Record heat has accelerated evaporation and caused drought conditions to rapidly worsen even before summer arrives. The conditions have led the Town of Tryon to remind residents that the drought has not gone away, and they must continue to conserve water. Tryon Water Plant Superintendent Betty Jones says the town has not lifted its mandatory water restrictions since they were implemented last August (see previous post).
Water usage often picks up in the summer, particularly when the weather is dry, as residents keep lawns and gardens watered. But residents will have to continue to keep watering to a minimum. Water usage in Tryon has remained roughly between 350,000 and 450,000 gallons per day in recent months, much below what it’s been in the past prior to restrictions and a town program to reduce leaks. Earlier this year Tryon was listed as one of 13 water systems in North Carolina considered to be nearing a crisis situation with less than 100 days of water supply.
The state has urged those water systems to take immediate steps to increase their water supplies. Tryon is working with Saluda and Columbus, with the held of an emergency water grant, to put in lines that will give Tryon access to water from Hendersonville. Tryon also plans to put in a valve that will allow it to receive water from Columbus, and to make changes to its water plant that will allow Tryon to use its former mountain water source.
Written by by Chris Dailey
Tuesday, 17 June 2008
After ending 2007 with a precipitation deficit of about 23 inches, the local area appeared to be coming out of the extreme drought with near normal rainfall earlier this year.
Then May arrived. The area received just 2.22 inches of rain in May, according to observations for the National Weather Service in Tryon. June hasn’t been any better. The area has received only about 0.6 inches of rain so far this month.
Not only has it been dry, but it’s also been exceptionally hot. Record heat has accelerated evaporation and caused drought conditions to rapidly worsen even before summer arrives. The conditions have led the Town of Tryon to remind residents that the drought has not gone away, and they must continue to conserve water. Tryon Water Plant Superintendent Betty Jones says the town has not lifted its mandatory water restrictions since they were implemented last August (see previous post).
Water usage often picks up in the summer, particularly when the weather is dry, as residents keep lawns and gardens watered. But residents will have to continue to keep watering to a minimum. Water usage in Tryon has remained roughly between 350,000 and 450,000 gallons per day in recent months, much below what it’s been in the past prior to restrictions and a town program to reduce leaks. Earlier this year Tryon was listed as one of 13 water systems in North Carolina considered to be nearing a crisis situation with less than 100 days of water supply.
The state has urged those water systems to take immediate steps to increase their water supplies. Tryon is working with Saluda and Columbus, with the held of an emergency water grant, to put in lines that will give Tryon access to water from Hendersonville. Tryon also plans to put in a valve that will allow it to receive water from Columbus, and to make changes to its water plant that will allow Tryon to use its former mountain water source.
Tryon water plant supt. discusses drought status
From the Tryon Daily Bulletin:
Written by Chris Dailey
Tuesday, 17 June 2008
Editor’s note: Betty Jones, the water plant superintendent for the Town of Tryon, provides the following update on the drought
by Betty Jones
Are we still under water restrictions? This is a question I’ve been asked quite frequently in the last few weeks. The answer is a resounding yes.
I have also been asked, “Do we have a drought again this year?” Actually, we are not experiencing a new drought. We are dealing with a continuing drought that began in the spring of 2007 and is the worst drought in recorded history in North Carolina.
Droughts have classifications of D1 through D4, with D4 being the worst. The summer of 2007 saw a classification of D4. As fall came we received a bit more rainfall, and the classification dropped to D3 in September. In October the classification varied from D4 to D3 with the month ending at D4.
We remained at D4 until the last week of February 2008, when we finally dropped back to D3. By the second week of April 2008 the classification dropped to a D2. You might think it is wonderful to finally see this lower rating. But when you look at all the classifications, and what each one means, you’ll see that a classification of D2 is considered to be a severe drought.
Listed below are all the classifications and what each means:
D0 – Abnormally Dry
D1 – Moderate Drought
D2 – Severe Drought
D3 – Extreme Drought
D4 – Exceptional Drought
Let’s get back to our drought now. The last week of April 2008 saw the classification move back up to D3 or Extreme Drought, which is where we currently are. We ended 2007 with a precipitation deficit of 23.55 inches (based on a 5-year average) for the year.
Precipitation for our area is below average through May 2008. The six-year monthly average from 2002 through 2007 is 5.18 inches. So far in 2008 our monthly average is 3.84 inches which calculates to 1.34 inches below the six year monthly average.
What does all this data mean? It means that we still need to be responsible when using the water we have. The days of using treated water for anything and everything are gone. On June 11 there was hardly any overflow at the Lake Lanier Dam.
We received 0.60 inches of rain overnight on the 11th and by early morning on the 12th we had a small amount of overflow. We all should be finding ways to conserve our treated water so that we have enough to go around.
Last but not least, it means we are still under Stage II Mandatory water restrictions here in Tryon, NC. During this Stage II (Mandatory) condition, it shall be unlawful for those served by the Town of Tryon’s water system:
(1) To water lawns, grass, shrubbery, trees, flowers and vegetable gardens except by hand held hose or container or drip irrigation system.
(2) To fill newly constructed swimming and/or wading pools or refill swimming and/or wading pools which have been drained.
(3) to wash automobiles, trucks, trailers, boats, airplanes, or any other type of mobile equipment, including commercial washing.
(4) To wash outside areas such as streets, driveways, service station aprons, parking lots, office buildings, exteriors of existing or newly constructed homes or apartments, sidewalks or patios, or to use water for similar purposes.
(5) To use water from public or private fire hydrants for any purpose other than fire suppression or other public emergency.
(6) To operate or introduce water into any ornamental fountain, pool, or pond or other structure making similar use of water.
(7) To serve drinking water in restaurants, cafeterias or other food establishments, except upon request.
(8) To operate water-cooled air conditioners or other equipment that does not recycle cooling water, except when health and safety are adversely affected.
(9) Use water for unnecessary purpose or intentionally waste water.
(10) To use water for industrial purposes in an amount in excess of that amount set by the town manager.
Any violation of the Stage II guidelines shall constitute a misdemeanor, punishable upon conviction by a fine or imprisonment. Willful disregard of Stage I and/or Stage II guidelines will also result in water service being temporarily disconnected. A reconnect fee will be imposed before restoration of service. While under Stage II restrictions, Stage I restrictions remain in place.
The Town of Tryon water system customers have rallied to the call to conserve and it does not go unnoticed. Every gallon saved is appreciated and we ask that each person continue their conservation efforts.
For weekly updates on the drought situation and water saving tips please visit Governor Easley’s website, SaveWaterNC at http://www.savewaternc.org/. One additional tip not mentioned at the website is to put containers in the shower with you to catch water as you shower. Save this water for your plants.
Written by Chris Dailey
Tuesday, 17 June 2008
Editor’s note: Betty Jones, the water plant superintendent for the Town of Tryon, provides the following update on the drought
by Betty Jones
Are we still under water restrictions? This is a question I’ve been asked quite frequently in the last few weeks. The answer is a resounding yes.
I have also been asked, “Do we have a drought again this year?” Actually, we are not experiencing a new drought. We are dealing with a continuing drought that began in the spring of 2007 and is the worst drought in recorded history in North Carolina.
Droughts have classifications of D1 through D4, with D4 being the worst. The summer of 2007 saw a classification of D4. As fall came we received a bit more rainfall, and the classification dropped to D3 in September. In October the classification varied from D4 to D3 with the month ending at D4.
We remained at D4 until the last week of February 2008, when we finally dropped back to D3. By the second week of April 2008 the classification dropped to a D2. You might think it is wonderful to finally see this lower rating. But when you look at all the classifications, and what each one means, you’ll see that a classification of D2 is considered to be a severe drought.
Listed below are all the classifications and what each means:
D0 – Abnormally Dry
D1 – Moderate Drought
D2 – Severe Drought
D3 – Extreme Drought
D4 – Exceptional Drought
Let’s get back to our drought now. The last week of April 2008 saw the classification move back up to D3 or Extreme Drought, which is where we currently are. We ended 2007 with a precipitation deficit of 23.55 inches (based on a 5-year average) for the year.
Precipitation for our area is below average through May 2008. The six-year monthly average from 2002 through 2007 is 5.18 inches. So far in 2008 our monthly average is 3.84 inches which calculates to 1.34 inches below the six year monthly average.
What does all this data mean? It means that we still need to be responsible when using the water we have. The days of using treated water for anything and everything are gone. On June 11 there was hardly any overflow at the Lake Lanier Dam.
We received 0.60 inches of rain overnight on the 11th and by early morning on the 12th we had a small amount of overflow. We all should be finding ways to conserve our treated water so that we have enough to go around.
Last but not least, it means we are still under Stage II Mandatory water restrictions here in Tryon, NC. During this Stage II (Mandatory) condition, it shall be unlawful for those served by the Town of Tryon’s water system:
(1) To water lawns, grass, shrubbery, trees, flowers and vegetable gardens except by hand held hose or container or drip irrigation system.
(2) To fill newly constructed swimming and/or wading pools or refill swimming and/or wading pools which have been drained.
(3) to wash automobiles, trucks, trailers, boats, airplanes, or any other type of mobile equipment, including commercial washing.
(4) To wash outside areas such as streets, driveways, service station aprons, parking lots, office buildings, exteriors of existing or newly constructed homes or apartments, sidewalks or patios, or to use water for similar purposes.
(5) To use water from public or private fire hydrants for any purpose other than fire suppression or other public emergency.
(6) To operate or introduce water into any ornamental fountain, pool, or pond or other structure making similar use of water.
(7) To serve drinking water in restaurants, cafeterias or other food establishments, except upon request.
(8) To operate water-cooled air conditioners or other equipment that does not recycle cooling water, except when health and safety are adversely affected.
(9) Use water for unnecessary purpose or intentionally waste water.
(10) To use water for industrial purposes in an amount in excess of that amount set by the town manager.
Any violation of the Stage II guidelines shall constitute a misdemeanor, punishable upon conviction by a fine or imprisonment. Willful disregard of Stage I and/or Stage II guidelines will also result in water service being temporarily disconnected. A reconnect fee will be imposed before restoration of service. While under Stage II restrictions, Stage I restrictions remain in place.
The Town of Tryon water system customers have rallied to the call to conserve and it does not go unnoticed. Every gallon saved is appreciated and we ask that each person continue their conservation efforts.
For weekly updates on the drought situation and water saving tips please visit Governor Easley’s website, SaveWaterNC at http://www.savewaternc.org/. One additional tip not mentioned at the website is to put containers in the shower with you to catch water as you shower. Save this water for your plants.
16 June 2008
Bear sighting in Tryon
This black bear cub was sighted in the Carolina Drive/Braewick Road area on Sunday afternoon.
Please read our previous post on Bear Sightings.
Please read our previous post on Bear Sightings.
14 June 2008
13 June 2008
03 June 2008
Bear Sightings
Upstate Bear Sightings Increasing.
From the NC Wildlife Resources Commission:
From the NC Wildlife Resources Commission:
BLACK BEAR PROBLEMS IN RESIDENTIAL AREAS
Black bears once roamed the entire state of North Carolina. Due to increasing human populations and associated development, bears no longer occupy the piedmont and are found only in the eastern and western parts of the state. Further, many new homes are built in occupied bear range each year. Despite all this, bear numbers have increased in recent years. As a result, bears and people are coming into contact with each other more frequently than before. Many citizens of North Carolina wish to see bears continue to thrive in the state. Therefore, the challenge is to learn how problems with bears can be avoided in residential areas that are in or near bear habitat.
Are bears dangerous?
Most injuries associated with bearhuman encounters are the result of people feeding bears or when bears are feeding on human sources of food. Simply observing a bear walking through a yard is not cause for alarm. Make sure all garbage is stored or handled as described below and do not provoke or feed the bear. Alert others in the area and request that everyone follow the same procedures.
What attracts bears into a residential area?
Often, houses are located in proximity to areas occupied by bears. Bears will naturally investigate food odors and are attracted to many different foods such as garbage, bird seed and suet, pet foods, compost piles and grease on barbecue grills. Once a bear receives a "reward" such as one of these foods, it may return to the same area several times (even after food is removed) or search around the general area for similar foods. Some bears become fairly tolerant of humans in these situations and appear tame. Remember, bears are wild animals, and are unpredictable. Therefore, the solution to most bear problems is to remove the source of attraction before conflicts occur.
Most problems are temporary
Most bear problems in residential areas are temporary and usually occur in the spring and summer months. Between the time bears emerge from their dens and summer foods such as berries ripen, natural food supplies are low and not very nutritious. This causes bears to travel more in search of food. Also, breeding season occurs from June to August and male bears tend to roam more in search of mates. Finally, during this same time period, young males are dispersing to new territories and often wander into residential areas. Usually dispersing bears remain in an area less than 2 weeks. By keeping food away from bears during those times of increased travel, many problems may be avoided.
Why not just move problem bears?
There are several reasons why moving problem bears is not an option. First and foremost, moving a bear does not address the problem. If the problem is not fixed, other bears will move in to take advantage of the food source or, the bear that was moved may return to become a problem once more. Second, catching a wild animal such as a bear puts both bears and people at risk of injury, especially in residential areas. Finally, there are no longer areas that are sufficiently remote to ensure that a relocated bear would not encounter other residences and possibly become a nuisance there.
How are bear problems best handled?
There are many things that can be done to minimize or eliminate the chances that bears will get into garbage or become a problem in an area. Any of the methods described below work best if implemented as soon as the problem starts, or better still, before problems occur. Once a bear establishes a feeding pattern, it will take longer to encourage the bear to move on. By following some of the tips listed below, residents can usually prevent the bear from being rewarded the first time.
- Do not allow bears access to garbage or other food. Store garbage inside buildings or other areas that bears cannot get to. Do not feed bears under any circumstances. If the area is served by a garbage collection service, place garbage out only during the day of collection. Under no circumstances should garbage be left out overnight. Keep all garbage sites clean. Do not leave pet foods out overnight. If bird feeders have been visited by a bear, stop feeding birds for 1 to 2 weeks. Persons living in bear range should install "bearproof" containers or use dumpsters with heavy gauge metal lids as a longterm solution to bear problems.
- Repellents. There are no repellents that are registered for use on bears. Some have found that sprinkling ammonia or other strong disinfectants on garbage can mask the odor of food.
- Exclusion. The following have helped to prevent bear damage. Make sure dumpsters are bolted and locked and chain down heavy metal garbage cans and secure the lids. Wood or plastic dumpster lids do not keep bears out. Replace these with metal lids that can be locked and make sure sliding side doors can be latched so only humans can open them. Fencing in dumpsters or garbage collection areas can be very effective. A chain link fence with a barbwire overhang can work well. An electric fence powered with a high voltage, low impedance charger can exclude bears; however, this should only be done if safety precautions can be implemented to protect children and adults. There are several electric fence designs which can be provided by the local district biologist if this is deemed appropriate.
- Frightening or scaring the bear. Shouting, clapping, blasting a car horn or motionsensitive lights may scare off a bear temporarily. Do not taunt a bear if it fails to respond to your efforts to frighten it. These methods are only temporary solutions.
- Crowd Control. Sometimes when a bear sighted, crowds may gather. This seemingly harmless situation can be aggravated or became potentially harmful as the crowd grows. People can cause bears to display unpredictable behavior. Law enforcement personnel should disperse crowds and allow the bear to exit without interference.
Summary
Recycling dumpster location
The Town's recycling bins are now located on Maple Street next to the Town Maintenance Shed. Click here for more information and a map.
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