Stage 1 voluntary water usage restrictions remain in effect for six water systems operated by Moore County Public Utilities.

A reminder from the county advises customers in Vass, Hyland Hills/Niagara, The Carolina, Addor, Robbins Community Development Block Grant area and East Moore Water District that they are asked to continue reducing water usage by 20 percent.

Drought conditions continue to exist in central North Carolina, and county officials report that conservation measures are still needed despite recent rains.

If water consumption is not reduced to target levels, then the county may impose Stage 2 moderate mandatory restrictions, according to the county's latest report.

Under Stage 1 voluntary conservation, customers are asked to reduce irrigation to once every three days and to refrain from all irrigation between the hours of 10 a.m. and 7 p.m., because evaporation rates are higher during those hours. Customers are asked to water only "when absolutely necessary."

Other recommendations for saving water include repairing known leaks, such as dripping faucets and leaky toilets, refraining from washing vehicles, eliminating the washing of paved surfaces except for health or safety reasons, and turning off decorative fountains, except those using re-circulated water.

The county recently announced that Stage 2 restrictions are in effect in other areas served by Public Utilities, including Pinehurst, Pinewild, Seven Lakes, West End, McLendon Hills and Love Grove.

These areas were previously under Stage 3 restrictions, calling for a 50 percent reduction in water usage. Now they are required to reduce usage by 30 percent.

These restrictions do not apply elsewhere in the system, but the county says the latest reminder is to clarify any confusion about restrictions and to advise other county customers that Stage 1 restrictions remain in effect for them.

Additional information about Stage 1 voluntary water restrictions is available by calling Dennis Brobst, county public works director, at 947-6315 or Eli Arroyo-Allen in the Public Information Office at 947-6363.