Clifton Forge has issued a series of mandatory water restrictions that will start Monday, according to a news release by the town manager's office.

The restrictions were made as part of an upgrade to the town's 50-year-old water treatment plant.

The restrictions are needed to accomplish the plant's $1.2 million upgrade that will include replacing its main electronic control system as well as various valves and filters.

During the plant's periodic shutdown, no water production will be possible because using too much could lead to a depletion of the stored water supply. The shutdowns will take place from:

n Monday at 8 a.m. to Friday at 12 a.m.

n Sept. 15 at 12 a.m. to Sept. 18 at 12 a.m.

n Sept. 24 at 8 a.m. to Oct. 3 at 12 a.m.

n Oct. 5 at 8 a.m. to Oct. 10 at 12 a.m.

The restrictions will include no watering of lawns, vegetable gardens, flowers, trees and shrubs and no vehicle washing either by residents or commercial car washes.

Customers will be prohibited from washing paved areas and filling fountains and swimming pools, except those used by health care facilities. Restaurants are asked to only serve water upon request, and all other businesses are asked to limit water usage to essential business and human hygiene.

Clifton Forge has 8,000 residential and commercial water customers, including residents in Alleghany County and the town of Iron Gate

Restrictions may be extended at the request of the town manager and with the approval of the town council.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the town manager's office at 863-2500.