THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, March 15, 1995 TAG: 9503150422
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B2 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: BY ANNE SAITA, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CURRITUCK LENGTH: Medium: 51 lines
Officials wanted to compel Currituck County's Outer Banks pool and spa owners to conserve water during the tourist season.
But after learning they couldn't touch privately owned water systems, they realized they are limited to saying only ``please.''
``What we were hoping to do, by ordinance, was fill these swimming pools during the off-season,'' when water use is lower, said County Manager Bill Richardson.
``But it appears we cannot regulate these supplies unless it's an emergency.''
Richardson's comments came during a Monday evening work session on water use.
As development in the Corolla area continues to climb, water consumption in the resort community also has surged. Recent attempts to find another underground source have been unsuccessful.
Along with a residential boom has come an increase in pools and indoor spas, or recreational whirlpools. The amenities normally make it easier for property owners to rent their homes in the summer.
Between June and Nov. 21, 1994, building permits for 30 pools and 18 hot tubs were issued by the Currituck County Planning and Inspections Department.
Of these permits, 15 were for pools in the Whalehead Beach area and 10 were in Pine Island, said Jack Simoneau, the county's planning director.
Last year the Board of Commissioners discussed an ordinance requiring off-site water for pools and spas. Asking property owners to fill pools or spas before May 1 or after Sept. 30 was another consideration.
They also wanted to limit water to wash cars or irrigate lawns and landscape.
But it appears that such restrictions cannot be placed on people in developments with privately owned water systems, which comprise all but Ocean Sands in Currituck County.
Commissioners decided Monday to ask developers in a work session to consider imposing conservation measures during the peak tourist months.
``They're bound to be interested in saving water, too,'' said Vice Chairman Eldon Miller.
Bill Gilbert, an engineer with Quible & Associates, attended Monday's meeting and agreed. ``I think they would be willing to work with you.''
Added Commissioner Paul O'Neal, ``I think you need to do it before you have a drought, before you have to take drastic measures.'' by CNB