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Water Conservation Measures Should Be Permanent, Some Say

Conservation is part of daily life now in North Carolina, but some say the measures to should be permanent.

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RALEIGH, N.C. — Shorter showers, limited lawn-watering – conservation is part of daily life now as North Carolina sees the worst drought in its recorded history.

But some say the measures to conserve water should be permanent.

"(The) drought – it is in our foreseeable future," said Janet Steddum, a local author who wrote a book entitled "The Battle for Falls Lake." "I think it is probably easier to develop a good habit of conservation."

The book chronicles the history of Raleigh's main source of water, which is about 8 feet below normal. Local officials are looking at ways to extend its capacity.

There is talk among some Raleigh leaders to modify water rules even after water levels return to normal.

And as population numbers continue to grow, water resources will continue to be stretched.

Ed Buchan with Raleigh Public Utilities says even after the drought, people should live their lives as if they are saving every drop.

"We want that to become part of your everyday life," he said.

Steddum said that would mean going back to using water the way Raleigh water customers used to before the dam was built.

"Conserve like your life depends on it is all I can say," she said.

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