Businesses worry of potential impacts as Marion tightens water restrictions amid drought

MARION, N.C. (WLOS) — The City of Marion is tightening water restrictions as drought conditions persist across western North Carolina, prompting local businesses to prepare for possible impacts on daily operations.

The drought monitor released on Thursday, May 14, shows that extreme drought now covers 90% of western North Carolina.

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As the region continues moving into a hotter and drier pattern, the City of Marion officials announced Stage Two water shortage restrictions less than a month after issuing a Stage One Water Advisory.

Businesses in Marion said the quick escalation is raising concerns about what could come next if drought conditions persist.

“They put us in stage one at the end of April and already it’s not through, it’s not the end of May and they’re already putting us in stage two,” said Barbara Brown, owner of Bruce’s.

Under the Stage Two restrictions, watering lawns, gardens and golf courses will be prohibited. Washing cars, filling residential swimming pools and serving water in restaurants except upon request will not be allowed.

Brown said her restaurant is already taking steps to conserve water.

“We check the bathrooms often to make sure people have turned the water off because we have found from time to time, people leave them running,” she added.

She said she worries stronger restrictions could eventually force businesses to make bigger operational changes.

“I’m concerned that eventually we might have to go to paper plates, paper cups, silverware,” Brown said.

Other businesses are also considering adjustments.

Kat Garner, a tattoo artist at Blue Ridge Tattoo, said water shortages could affect how the shop operates day to day.

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“We would definitely be reduced to using distilled water for everything, which would become harder if everyone’s buying it out, so that would definitely make things a little bit more difficult,” Garner said.

The Stage Two water restrictions are set to begin Friday, May 15, at 8 a.m. and will last until further notice.