On November 3rd, Waynesville Mayor Gavin Brown asked all water customers to begin voluntary conservation measures.  Water customers responded by reducing their water usage by 5% in November.  This was enough to have an impact on the reservoir level, even before the recent rainfall.  The reservoir is now at full pond, and Mayor Brown has rescinded the request for voluntary water conservation, "We have a return to normal operations in Waynesville and don't expect the reservoir to return to summertime drought levels anytime soon.  Thank you to all the customers who quickly moved to meet our request."

The reservoir level is monitored daily, and residents are urged to continue to be water-wise.  The Waynesville Reservoir serves approximately 17,000 Haywood County residents, including those in the Town, Lake Junaluska Assembly and Junaluska Sanitary District. 

    In 2006, the Board of Aldermen created the Heat and Energy Assistance Team (H.E.A.T.).  This program allows utility customers to add a contribution to their monthly bill to aid other customers who are struggling with rising heating and cooling costs.  The full amount contributed is divided evenly between the Salvation Army and Haywood Christian Ministries for use in assisting residents of Waynesville and Haywood County.  These agencies provide year-round assistance with energy bills, and need year-round support.

     All donations to the H.E.A.T. Program are tax deductible and the Town provides donors with a report at year's end.  If you prefer to make a one-time donation by cash or check, simply stop by Town Hall.  For more information contact Utilities at 456-3515. 

Share The Warmth 

    In addition to assisting residents in paying their winter energy bills, Mountain Projects and Haywood Christian Ministries have partnered with the Salvation Army, the United Way, The Mountaineer and Smoky Mountain News to create a new winterization program to help people in need make their homes more energy efficient.  This program, Share the Warmth, also helps people stock up on blankets, warm robes and slippers.  You can help support Share the Warmth by purchasing a $1 card at Town Hall; all of the funds collected at Town Hall will go directly to Mountain Projects for this program.  If you can give more, you may do so at Town Hall or mail your contribution directly to Mountain Projects at 2251 Old Balsam Road, Waynesville, NC  28786.  Volunteers are needed to help with the winterization of homes; contact Mountain Projects at 452-1447 for more information.