Green Industry Professionals in North Carolina Propose Constant Water Restrictions

The lakes are full and mandatory water restrictions have been lifted.

But local members of the green industry say Greensboro needs to get used to conserving water to lower the impact of any future drought and preserve local jobs.

The Green Industry Council hopes to make the proposal to the city council in the next few weeks.

They recommend the city restrict outdoor water to three days a week. In addition, they want to allow landscapers working on new home construction projects to water without restrictions for 90 days. After that, they would adhere to the three-day watering rule.

Green Industry Council President Doug Berlin believes the regulation would significantly lower water consumption and help landscapers and nurseries avoid layoffs.

As an example, New Garden Nursery laid off approximately 20 workers during the height of the most recent drought.

Berlin says the idea for constant restrictions will be presented to Mayor Yvonne Johnson within the next week.

He's hopeful the issue will be added to the city council's agenda shortly thereafter.