Due to severe drought conditions, the town of Orange has enacted extremely stringent water-use regulations, which will take effect at 12 a.m. Friday. They are as follows (The Daily Progress, September 17, 2002):

*Residential water customers are limited to one three-minute shower per day, and may use only recycled water for any purpose outdoors. Dishwashers and washing machines may be used only when full, and disposable dishes should be used wherever possible.

*All businesses must turn off drinking fountains and provide only bottled water, and supply cleanising hand-wipes in bathrooms.

*Business that serve food may not provide fountain drinks, but only canned and bottled drinks. Singe-service items must be used in serving the public. Water must continue to be used to wash and rinse food preparation utensils, and for the washing of employees' hands.

Commercial water users are limited to 50 percent of their average monthly consumption over the past 12 months. These include coin and retail laundries, dry cleaning facilities, car washes, commercial nurseries and greenhouses, concrete plants and all manufacturing facilities with an average monthly water use of 20,000 gallons or more. (If unsure of their monthly consumption, businesses may call the town treasurer at (540) 672-2656 for this information.)