Chatham County is banning all outdoor watering with county-supplied water, including the use of drip irrigation. The ban is effective October 29.

The upgraded restrictions apply primarily to northeastern county users served by Jordan Lake. Chatham users served by Siler City water follow seperate restrictions. The county’s restrictions do not apply to Cary’s water users who live in Chatham County, but Cary is also banning nearly all outdoor watering as of Nov. 1.

Customers can use a hand-held watering can or bucket to take care of urgent situations. They also can use private wells or recycled county water, such as water captured in rain barrels, to water plants.

County water customers should note that they will not receive any warnings for violating restrictions before penalties are issued. A first offense is a $250 fine, the second offense at $500. A third violation means that the county will take steps to shut off water service.