I read something like this once in regards to Citrus bloom with the same findings.

Looks like gardeners are gonna have to install rain barrels if we want to keep our plants alive. I have given up on my lawn, but have lots of plants in containers that I don't want to lose -- as well as selected trees, shrubs and perennials around the yard. We also have a small backyard pond with fish that will have serious problems if we can't periodically add more water. Although I think the city is doing the right thing with the new water restrictions, it bothers me that they have not planned better for the problems. I tried to buy a rain barrel from Raleigh Public Works last week, and they were all out of them. I had called for information the day before and they made no mention of supplies being short. I drove downtown the following day during lunch, and they were completely out of rain barrels and conversion kits. Plus they could give me no timeline on when they might be available.

Merj, You are allowed to use grey water. Most biologists/epidemiologists recommend that you add one part bleach to 10 parts water before using it to water your plants, especially for edibles to prevent spreading bacteria. Let the bleach water sit for 24 hours in an open container to prevent harm to your plants. You don't want to see what that water looks like under a microscope. In Durham we can water only on Wed and Sat 5-9 A or P with a max of one inch per week. I don't water my lawn at all, but I do water the gardens (I spent too much money to allow the plants to die). I'm also putting in a rain barrel or 2 so I can water with that instead. Also going to be more careful about what I use inside. I haven't been saving grey water at all, and I should.

Esh, I think that policing water volume might be difficult too. For example, if a family of 10 needs showers and laundry and water to water a large veggie garden then that would be such a huge difference from folks like our family with just two. With renters this would be a nightmare, having to keep track of how much water is doled out to whom, and when. However, I do not think think that corporations, and businesses do need to be put on watering restriction too. Even if their business depends on water. It doesn't necessarily mean they follow the same rules as homeowners, but they should not be allowed to waste water. I think we have all seen the golf course or the professionally landscaped area with the sprinklers running during the rain. Rain barrels are great, however I also urge people to think about their water use for the future, not just now. Consider reclamation in larger quantities. Also consider that you will need to "help" your county, city etc. to consider these possibilities and make sure they can be allowed. For example, we eventually want a cistern. Not a well, not a mosquito catcher. A cistern which filters water clean, and captures water only from watershed. Some water would be put back into the watershed system (and much cleaner) however, some would be saved that is now only going to waste. GGG