At the same time, city officials reminded customers that the area remains in extreme drought and the city could be forced to reinstate mandatory restrictions if necessary.

&dquo;The Mills River is still well below its normal level, and while recent rains and the change of seasons give us some breathing room, people need to act responsibly in light of the current extreme drought,&dquo; said Mayor Greg Newman.

Hendersonville&squo;s mandatory water restrictions, which took effect on August 5, prohibited lawn watering, car washing and filing of pools and limited garden watering.

The restrictions drew complaints from landscapers, nurseries, car dealers and car washes, who said they were threatening their businesses.

Hendersonville&squo;s water system serves about 60,000 residents, and the city also provides water for Laurel Park, Flat Rock and Saluda. Hendersonville has been working to gain state permission to tap the French Broad River for an additional water source to meet long-term needs.