State Agencies In Four More Counties Take Water Conservation Steps Due To Drought

June 15, 2007

WATAUGA COUNTY NEWS -- North Carolina Governor Mike Easley directed state agencies in four more counties to take specific water conservation steps. The counties were added to the list of those suffering from severe drought. Governor Easley has also asked water systems in those areas to implement conservation measures. Twenty-one western counties are currently categorized with either extreme or severe drought conditions.

Governor Easley commenting on the drought said, "All water systems, especially those in the driest areas of North Carolina, should review their water supply plans and implement conservation measures as the drought continues and its severity worsens," moreover "While drinking water supplies are sufficient to meet demand at this time, we need to be prepared for the worsening conditions that could come our way with the heat of the summer."

The Governor has expanded his directive to include state agencies in counties listed below with extreme or severe drought conditions:

• Ashe County
• Caldwell County
• Polk County
• Watauga County

These state agencies are directed to stop all non-essential water use and all Watauga County citizens are urged to voluntarily reduce their water consumption by at least 10 percent.

In addition to the four new counties; Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, and Yancey counties continue to be listed with extreme or severe drought conditions in North Carolina.