DROUGHT TIMELINEIn accordance with Chapter 2, Article V of the Rocky Mount Code of Ordinances, the water shortage condition and voluntary conservation declared on April 12, 2008 is hereby rescinded, effective January 1, 2009.
This action is taken as a result of the continuous improvement and stability of the area's water supply, absence of drought conditions since October 1, 2008 and the water level in the Tar River Reservoir being maintained at or above the top of the dam since September 1, 2008.
Stephen W. Raper
City Manager
December 19, 2008
The following is a timeline of Rocky Mount's conditions since the initial declaration of the water shortage:
- Request for Voluntary Conservation July 4, 2007
- Stage 1 Mandatory Restrictions August 11, 2007
- Stage II Mandatory Restrictions September 24, 2007
- Modified Stage I Mandatory Restrictions March 12, 2008
- Request for Voluntary Conservation April 12, 2008
This photo shows water being released from one of the two gates at the Tar River reservoir dam. There are two gate sections, each of which can be raised and lowered hydraulically. In the picture, the gate closest to the camera has been lowered in order to remove debris from the overflow. This process can also be used to lower the level of the lake if the threat of a flooding storm is imminent. This is only performed when the reservoir is at maximum capacity.
The Hanson Quarry on NC-97, a water holding source for the city.
The City's quarries on Old Mill Road - pumping from these quarries into Maple Creek reduces the Reservoir Dam release rate by an equivalent amount. The red dots at the top of the lake on the left are the pump floats. These two quarries are critical during drought conditions and hold approximately 600 million gallons combined.