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Crop losses caused by drought and extreme heat led the U.S. Department of Agriculture to declare 59 North Carolina counties as disaster areas.
North Carolina Gov. Mike Easley wants help from the federal government for farmers who have suffered crop losses due to the drought that began last year.
After more than a year, a large swath of central North Carolina is completely out of the drought, according to a state report issued Thursday.
In an update released Thursday morning, the North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council showed Wake, Durham and 22 other counties were "abnormally dry," but no longer in drought status.
Johnston County dodged a last-minute salvo from Tropical Storm Hanna, when the Neuse River failed to rise above flood stage Monday. Meanwhile, area lakes are rising above their banks.
Heavy rains last week from the remnants of Tropical Storm Fay continued to ease drought conditions in western North Carolina, and Tropical Storm Hanna could provide similar relief to the northeastern part of the state.
The remnants of Tropical Storm Fay brought much needed rain to western North Carolina in recent days, alleviating the worst drought conditions in the state, according to a report released Thursday.
Although much of the Triangle remains under moderate drought conditions, more severe conditions are advancing from the west.
The lack of rain has resulted in smaller apple sizes in the more than 6,000 acres of orchards in Henderson County, a primary apple producing area.
Several northeast North Carolina counties are drying out, but drought conditions continue to ease across the southeastern part of the state, according to a report issued Thursday.
A swath of counties across southeast North Carolina, including Cumberland County, are no longer experiencing drought conditions, according to a state report issued Thursday.
Although state officials now have more power to respond to droughts, the head of Raleigh's water system says the new law doesn't go far enough.
It could be another water source for Raleigh or its surrounding communities, but city officials say it wouldn't help in dry conditions.
Recent rains have paid off with high lake levels in area reservoirs, but groundwater levels are slower to rebound.
The legislation seeks to require more large water users to directly report their consumption to the state.
Starting July 1, Durham water customers who use more water will pay more per unit than those that conserve.
N.C. State professors found watering only twice a week doesn't harm lawns, and using moisture sensors instead of timers to control irrigation systems saves water.
The draft bill would require local governments to set uniform minimum water conservation measures and would give the governor authority to act sooner than he can now.
Summer begins Friday, and it's shaping up to be dry. Drought is once again setting in across North Carolina.
Falls Lake has dipped below normal for the first time since recovering from its record deficit on April 5, 2008. In response, a Raleigh City Council member is suggesting tougher water restrictions, but the mayor disagrees.
According to the city, average water use is up more than 50 percent from four months ago, during extreme drought conditions.
More than 40 Raleigh water customers were cited for violations this week and charged a $200 fine – the cost for a first offense.
WRAL meteorologist Mike Maze said the recent heat wave led to more evaporation from area reservoirs and increased water consumption.
Officials plan to pay $60,000 to take hundreds of older toilets out of service in Cary and Morrisville so they can be replaced by water-saving commodes.
Growth and water quality are coming into conflict as smaller towns question the way Raleigh allocates their water supplies.
While much of eastern North Carolina has pulled out of the historic drought that has gripped the state for the past year, conditions in the western part of the state are worsening, according to a new state report.
The ban applies to all manual or automatic in-ground irrigation systems proposed to be connected to the city of Raleigh's public potable water system.
Nursery owners say they count each wagon load of plants customers buy as one more sale that will help pull their businesses out of the hole created by the drought.
The Orange Water and Sewer Authority became the latest public utility to relax water restrictions when its board voted unanimously Thursday to loosen the taps.
Heavy rains last weekend continued to push North Carolina's drought to the west, according to a report issued Thursday.
Customers on the municipal water system can begin using sprinklers twice a week, the Raleigh City Council said Tuesday.
A City Council committee has voted to proceed with planned project to build a 17-mile pipeline that would allow some municipal water customers to use treated wastewater for outdoor irrigation.
A growing number of eastern North Carolina counties are no longer experiencing any form of drought conditions, according to a state report released Thursday.
As the level of Falls Lake has gone up, talk about the drought has tapered off, but discussions about water use continue. Raleigh officials are revisiting how much water car washes should be allowed to use.
A $6 million grant is helping farmers across the state recover from the drought.
Thursday night’s harsh storms, which killed one person and injured three others, pushed out of the Triangle Friday morning. The skies began to clear, but a “stormy” Mother’s Day is ahead.
The draft bill would require local governments to set uniform minimum water conservation measures and would give the governor authority to act sooner than he can now.
More rain overnight Thursday and this weekend could push the level at Falls Lake higher. Whether that is good or bad is a matter of different opinions among different government officials.
After several weeks of improving drought conditions across North Carolina, the state inched backward this week, according to a report issued Thursday.
The 13th annual WaterFest will focus on conservation, Ed Buchan, water conservation specialist with the city's Public Utilities Department, said Tuesday.
Recent rains have filled area lakes – and while that's good news for the state's drought, it's also good news for boaters. Two lakes in Durham open on Fridays, beginning today.
Cary officials want to right what they regard as an unfair fee Raleigh charged them six years before they agree to allow the city to tap into Jordan Lake.
Heavy rains last weekend have pulled eastern North Carolina, including parts of the Triangle, out of drought for the first time in more than 10 months, according to a state report issued Thursday.
The city eased water restrictions Thursday, allowing Public Works Commission customers to water their lawns three days a week.
Recent rain continues to ease drought conditions. With Falls Lake, the city's primary reservoir, full, many people are asking if city officials should scale back water restrictions even more.
Most of the local businesses visited by city inspectors in recent weeks have installed water-saving devices in their bathrooms, Raleigh officials said Monday.
Six coastal counties are now out of the drought, and improved conditions appear to be spreading into the eastern and central parts of the state.
The end of the drought means a 150-year-old boat stuck in the bed of the Tar River can't be seen anymore. But local and state historians are working to preserve it.
A City Council committee on Wednesday recommended delaying a planned project to build a 17-mile pipeline that would allow some municipal water customers to use treated wastewater for outdoor irrigation.
A sea of sweet-smelling green has overtaken downtown Wake Forest's Festival Park. Drought-tolerant plants are a showcase at HerbFest 2008, which runs until April 27.
“Slow the Flow and Save Some for Later” is the theme the city wants to keep in the public consciousness.
Thousands of water customers across North Carolina must continue curbing their water use, despite relaxed regulations in many area cities and towns.
The town on Tuesday lifted its voluntary water restrictions, which had been in place since October.
Cary officials are planning to pay $500 to homeowners who go from regular grass to warm-season grass, a change that some residents have already done.
A rainy week has dramatically improved drought conditions across North Carolina, according to a report issued Thursday.
As cities and towns across North Carolina begin to loosen restrictions on water use, Gov. Mike Easley on Wednesday asked them to rethink the move.
Rocky Mount leaders are taking steps to ensure the city doesn't risk running out of water again.
The decision by Raleigh officials to relax water restrictions will allow Wake Forest to open the town's only public pool this summer.
The drought lingers, but Raleigh officials said residents and businesses can start turning the spigot on again because Falls Lake is full.
Six rainy days last week helped fill up Falls Lake. With Raleigh's main water source back up, the city manager is expected to ease restrictions and allow the use of hand-held hoses for watering.
Falling rains could raise hopes of relaxed water restrictions, along with lake levels.
Starting Wednesday Holly Springs will allow the use of automated irrigation and sprinkler systems three times a week, the town council said.
Rain continues to fall, but Raleigh leaders are clear that it is still too soon to ease use restrictions.
Durham on Tuesday became the latest city to ease its water restrictions as spring rains continue to replenish area reservoirs.
Outdoor watering will again be allowed in Cary and Apex from Tuesday, officials announced, citing the rise in the level of Jordan Lake.
Rain barrels were put to good use during Sunday's rainfall. But some residents in a Wake County neighborhood say their water conservation efforts are being hampered by their homeowners association's image concerns.
The Army Corps of Engineers could slow releases from Falls Lake into the Neuse River and open up the sediment area for extra drinking water during severe droughts, according to a revised management plan under consideration.
Thanks to recent rains and strict water-conservation measures, Falls Lake has enough drinking water to last into next year, officials said Wednesday.
Hundreds of people are contacting Cary town leaders about new water conservation programs that pay homeowners to save.
Nurseries say rain barrels, recent rain and drought resistant plants are giving people a new found interest in gardening.
Raleigh officials say they need more help installing low-flow devices for low-income residents.
The only public pool in town could remain empty this summer if drought conditions don't ease in the next month, officials said Friday.
City officials have devised an innovative plan to keep residents swimming and splashing this summer. The question is whether people will go along with the idea.
The move by the Fayetteville Public Works Commission will allow customers to wash cars and pressure wash building exteriors.
The City Council voted Tuesday to end Stage 2 water restrictions once Falls Lake reaches 90 percent of its normal level and to allow limited outdoor watering if the lake reaches its capacity.
Spot checks on dozens of businesses in Raleigh and nearby towns have found that most have heeded calls to install water-saving devices, officials said Tuesday.
More than four-fifths of North Carolina residents have cut back on water consumption to help the state survive its worst drought in history, according to a new poll.
Cary is implementing four new conservation programs in an effort to get homeowners to save water.
Orange Water and Sewer Authority is instituting higher rates to encourage water conservation.
Raleigh could be in a water war with people around Kerr Lake over a potential water source if the city makes a move to bring water south.
Abandoned quarries in Wake County contain billions of gallons of water that at least one official said should be tapped to augment the supply of available drinking water.
Heavy rains that doused the Triangle with as much as 3 inches last week helped ease North Carolina's drought situation, state officials said Thursday.
Inspectors fanned out to check whether commercial water customers are going along with a call for voluntary installation of low-flow water hardware.
Gov. Mike Easley unveiled a three-part legislative package Tuesday to get more control over water consumption and better prepare for droughts.
Rains from recent storms have raised the level of Raleigh's chief water source to about 3 feet below normal.
Different management strategies keep Jordan Lake filled, while Falls Lake struggles to rebound from drought.
Mayor Charles Meeker wants to give landscapers and others flexibility to operate under Raleigh's water restrictions.
Rains late Tuesday and early Wednesday filled one reservoir in Durham and raised the level of Falls Lake and other area lakes.
City inspectors also will visit about a dozen office buildings, apartment complexes, hotels and health clubs to check compliance with water conservation efforts.
In announcing a reduction of water released from Falls Lake into the Neuse River, Raleigh Mayor Charles Meeker also called for spot checks of local businesses to see if they're conserving water.
Hand watering, previously limited to weekends only, will now be allowed at all times.
Recent rains have helped replenish many area lakes, but Falls Lake continues to suffer from the ongoing drought.
More businesses have turned to treated wastewater to keep their doors open as Raleigh and other towns crack down on using drinking water for many jobs.
How far would you go to conserve water and keep a green lawn at the same time? One Raleigh home and business owner knew his answer to that question: Spend tens of thousands of dollars, and dig a big canyon.
Orange Water and Sewer Authority officials voted unanimously to tighten water restrictions and implement surcharges on both residential and commercial customers from mid March.
Orange Water and Sewer residential customers could be urged to keep water use to a maximum of 35 gallons per person per day.
Owners James and Ella Perry said the Warren County Farmers Market was their whole world. But rising local produce prices, brought on by the drought, is forcing the mom-and-pop shop to close.
In wake of the drought, North Carolina State University is considering digging wells to provide water for its 33 acres of athletics fields.
The Rocky Mount City Council has voted to increase water an sewer rates in response to the cost of the drought.
As water conservation becomes increasing important across the Triangle, the stormwater engineering students are doing their part by educating - about rain barrels.
As city officials grapple with trying to make it through a second summer marked by drought, they also face the prospect of demand outstrippingthe available supply of drinking water for years to come.
State lawmakers are considering a proposal that would require homeowners and businesses that use private wells to report on how much water they consume.
One person since last September has been slapped with an interruption of service for violating Durham's water restrictions, prompting a City Council member to call local restrictions a failure.
Tightening water-use rules have local residents sinking to new depths to find enough water to keep their lawns green.
Raleigh and other cities that draw water from the Neuse River plan to develop a computer model that will help them better manage the use of water in the river.
A community forum focused on Wake County's water supply and demand drew more than 200 concerned residents Saturday.
Unlike Falls Lake north of Raleigh or parched reservoirs in Durham, Jordan Lake is filled to capacity, and several counties and municipalities are looking for ways to lap up the lake's water to quench their growing thirst.
The Raleigh Hospitality Water Conservation Task Force -- a group made up of local restaurant and hotel leaders -- meets for the first time today to look at ways the industry can conserve water.
As Holly Springs stops buying water from Raleigh, a panel met Wednesday for the first time to discuss a broad water conservation effort.
At Fox Road Elementary School, SWAT stands for Student Water Audit Team, a group of students who look for leaky faucets on school property and report them.
Since Stage 2 water restrictions went into effect last Friday, Raleigh's water demand has dropped by about 1 million gallons a day. Despite the restrictions, some businesses have found a way to get water - by tapping into the city's wastewater treatment plant.
The Army Corps of Engineers agreed Tuesday to reduce the flow of water from Falls Lake into the Neuse River by 9 percent to help conserve the dwindling supply of drinking water in the lake.
Mayor Charles Meeker sent a letter to Franklin County commissioners Tuesday, asking the county to back off its plans to to draw drinking water from the Neuse River.
Despite the rain overnight, the drought is still on today’s agenda for the Durham City Council. Durham water customers follow Stage 4 restrictions, and leaders will discuss possibly implementing tougher rules.
The Stage 2 restrictions – the toughest rules currently on the books in Raleigh – ban outdoor watering. That means some changes at the State Fairgrounds and State Farmers Market.
City inspectors cited six individuals and businesses for violating the Stage 2 water restrictions that went into effect Friday.
The first 100 rain barrels ordered by Holly Springs sold out within hours Saturday morning, and the town has already placed an order for more.
Landscapers, car wash operators and other small-business owners had to adjust their processes or face going out of business Friday when Raleigh imposed more stringent water-use rules.
The drought is uncovering a dirty secret across the region as things people tossed into lakes and streams are tossed back up by dropping water levels.
City officials are considering numerous options, from accelerating construction on a water-treatment plant to banking on help from Congress, as they look for long-term solutions to a shrunken water supply.
An innovation that could save millions of gallons of water is not allowed under state building codes – systems that can pump filtered rain water into homes for non-drinking uses.
As the drought slowly tightens its grip on North Carolina, state officials worry about its impact on the economy.
Gov. Mike Easley is reinstating the statewide burning ban, effective at noon Thursday, due to drought and the upcoming spring fire season.
The mayors of towns on the Raleigh water system are asking customers to install low-flow devices and to gather rain in barrels as the next step in the drought.
A hospitality water summit, scheduled for 9 a.m. today, will be geared toward getting hotels and restaurants to conserve water.
With talk of tougher water restrictions, Raleigh builders and developers are worried about a possible moratorium on development. The city has continued to issue building permits throughout the drought.
Three days before Raleigh moves to the strictest water restrictions on the books, City Council members already are thinking of even more stringent measures they can impose if the drought continues.
Dry, windy conditions have fanned 423 brush fires across the state in recent days. A burn ban was lifted in January even as the state continues to suffer from a record drought.
Raleigh moves to the toughest water restrictions to date this Friday. But some people say tighter restrictions should have happened months ago.
Mayor Charles Meeker on Monday called for establishing an overall "budget" for local water use and said the City Council would take steps in the coming weeks to ensure the city stays within it.
Raleigh hospitality businesses are making every effort to save water. Stage 2 restrictions for Raleigh water-system customers take effect Friday. A hospitality-business water summit is set for this week.
North Carolina State University; city, county and state government offices and several businesses are cutting back on water usage as Raleigh moves to Stage 2 water restrictions on Feb. 15.
More than 200 people from the landscaping industry protested Tuesday as the City Council voted to move to Stage 2 water restrictions on Feb. 15.
Federal officials have proposed cutting the amount of water released from Falls Lake into the Neuse River by half in the spring to extend the lake's water supply as long as possible.
Developers would use treated wastewater to prepare new home sites if the ongoing drought forces Raleigh to impose tougher restrictions on water use, according to a proposal made to city officials Monday.
A development project being considered in Zebulon would extend water service along the Johnston and Wake county line.
State environmentalists worry that if enacted, Raleigh's request to reduce discharges from Falls Lake could dry up smaller waterways downstream and negatively impact animal populations.
A deal reached between Raleigh and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers marks the first time the Corps has agreed to drain water from the sediment layer of a lake.
Wastewater could soon be put to use helping the lawns of Raleigh's biggest and smaller water customers stay green during drought conditions.
Snow that dusted the region over the weekend had little impact on the statewide drought, officials said Thursday.
Raleigh officials say not enough people are cutting back their water consumption, especially when it comes to indoor use.
At Progress Energy, which operates four reactors in the drought zone, officials warned in November that the drought could force it to shut down its Harris reactor near Raleigh, according to documents obtained by the AP.
Raleigh leaders on Tuesday asked city residents to limit their daily water consumption to 35 gallons per person to help extend the dwindling supply of drinking water as much as possible.
Restrictions for Raleigh water customers could soon get tougher. "Green Industry" professionals held a meeting Tuesday to discuss how much the drought is hurting their livelihood.
Water restrictions could soon get even tighter in Raleigh. City leaders could ban all outdoor watering, but people can take steps to keep plants and trees alive without water.
With water sources drying up around the state, leaders are considering whether they should have more say in how communities share water.
The Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services buys in bulk from as far away as Canada to get a better price for farmers left without feed because of the drought.
The drought has been taking its toll everywhere: people's daily lives, their pocketbooks and municipalities' public utilities budgets. Raleigh officials were considering a 50 percent surcharge to pass that cost onto residents.
Raleigh leaders are considering a 50 percent surcharge in water customers' bills – the latest way to save the city's dwindling water supply.
The North Carolina water systems facing the worst supply problems need to link up with other systems, check their lines for leaks and adopt tiered water rates, Gov. Mike Easley said Monday.
Fayetteville's water system relies heavily on the Cape Fear River, and neighboring mayor thinks some water insurance would be a wise investment.
Until late Friday afternoon, Durham city leaders would not issue permits to build swimming pools.
Mayor Charles Meeker has cut his water consumption in recent months, but he still has a ways to go to meet the daily goal of 25 gallons per person he has set for Raleigh water customers.
The City Council on Tuesday approved several of Mayor Charles Meeker's suggestions to slash local water consumption, but council members held off on his two most controversial ideas: a 25-gallon individual daily limit on water and a temporary 50 percent increase in water rates.
Heeding calls to install more water-efficient devices could run from $200 to $600, depending on how far homeowners want to go. There are less-expensive, do-it-your-self options, too, however.
Raleigh Mayor Charles Meeker on Monday proposed a daily water consumption limit of 25 gallons per person and a temporary 50 percent surcharge on water bills.
Raleigh's water police are looking for rule-breakers. Since Stage I restrictions took effect last August, utility crews have handed out more than 400 fines.
Heavy rains over the past week produced a small dent in the statewide drought, but most of North Carolina continues to experience the worst drought conditions.
The holiday schedule has delayed bringing water from an abandoned quarry into Durham's system until after New Year's Day, officials said Thursday.
After falling steadily during the fall, water use in Raleigh has leveled off in recent weeks, which could require creativity by city officials to cut consumption even more.
Town officials want customers to be able to buy treated wastewater from Pittsboro's waste water treatment plant, instead of from the Chatham County system.
Saying it was everyone's "patriotic duty" to conserve water in the face of the worst drought in North Carolina history, Gov. Mike Easley on Thursday called for water systems statewide to implement tiered water pricing for excessive water use.
The Orange Water and Sewer Authority agreed Thursday to provide Durham with water for 30 days.
Wake County plans to study the effects of private wells on the area water supply.
The town of Cary announced Thursday it will extend its ban on outdoor watering until at least Feb. 29.
As Raleigh and Durham tighten the taps on residential and business users to conserve water in the midst of a record-setting drought, the two municipal systems continue to lose millions of gallons daily through leaky pipes and other sources.
State and federal governments will be giving much-needed to relief to North Carolina farmers sapped by the record-setting drought.
As crews began tapping an abandoned quarry Monday to deliver more water to the city, one Durham official called for a 10 percent surcharge on local water bills to help pay for the costs of the ongoing drought.
Conserving water is a must during this year's statewide drought, but experts said it will take more than going easy on the taps.
As the rainfall deficit across the Triangle reached new levels for the year, area officials discussed further lifestyle changes that might be required of residents to conserve as much water as possible.
With 96 days of water left, Raleigh officials are looking at tapping sediment at the bottom of Falls Lake or the more expensive option of piping water from Cary.
Raleigh could implement strict water restrictions as early as next week that not only will limit how much water residents and businesses consume, but also might turn off the spigot on new housing developments.
The lack of rain has cut hay production in North Carolina by nearly 50 percent, making it hard to feed horses.
State forestry officials said a ban on open burning covers luminarias, and local officials have discouraged use of the popular holiday decorations.
With about seven weeks of drinking water left in Durham's two primary reservoirs, City Council members met Thursday to discuss options to keep water flowing to local residents.
City officials are preparing for the potential of moving to tighter water restrictions in the coming weeks – rules that could adversely affect some local businesses.
Limited water from the taps could lead to slow growth in Durham.
Duke University has set up a $5 million fund for projects to conserve water on campus and among students and staff.
Apex residents have cut their daily water usage from 4 million gallons a day to nearly 2 million.
With supplies tight, so are requirements for residential and commercial water-users.
The drought has dried up prospects of a new business in Wake Forest. For the time being, the town won't allow a new car wash to open its doors.
With only two months of drinking water left in Durham, city leaders approved tighter water restrictions Tuesday, which call for all businesses to cut water use. However, some businesses say cutting back anymore is not an option.
The statewide drought has led to an increased number of wildfires in North Carolina this year, officials said.
Rain-deprived homeowners in the nation's Southeast are exploring every option available for saving their lawns during one of the worst droughts on record - including using recycled waste water for the garden.
The possibility of rain over the Triangle this weekend holds out little hope of giving a knock-out punch to the drought, WRAL meteorologists predicted.
The drought is playing a role in drying up supplies at Raleigh's Food Bank and it couldn't come at a worst time.
To extend the capacity of Raleigh's primary reservoir, officials are using other water to keep up Neuse River flows.
Raleigh's primary reservoir is at an all-time low level, despite recent rains and declining water consumption by area residents.
Christmas tree-sellers in the Triangle are already doing business, and in spite of the drought, experts said this year's crop is going to be good and green, just like last year.
Critics say a planned reservoir in Wake County would come at the expense of property owners. Officials say a new water source is needed, with Falls Lake shrinking.
City officials have put a plan to pump water from Lake Benson to the Neuse River on hold indefinitely.
The drought across much of the country is helping push up prices of ingredients used to brew beer, and industry observers said that could lead to higher prices at the neighborhood bar by early next year.
Elementary school and middle school students on Wednesday will pledge to conserve water as part of a week of activities designed to teach about the impacts of the statewide drought.
A proposal to divert water from nearby lakes into the Neuse River to conserve Raleigh's dwindling water supply is moving ahead, as is a Durham plan to tap a former quarry for drinking water.
Raleigh officials have started pushing for more water conservation by local businesses. Meanwhile, some city officials want area towns to enforce water restrictions more tightly.
Drought conditions are getting worse again after recent rains provided brief improvement. But major water systems report demand has dropped 28 percent since August.
City officials are working with the Army Corps of Engineers on a plan to pump water from Lake Benson and Lake Wheeler into the Neuse River to conserve Raleigh's dwindling drinking water supply in Falls Lake.
City officials said they started enforcing mandatory Stage 3 water restrictions on Monday. The city relies on the Neuse River, whose level has been dropping, for its supply.
North Carolina's largest utilities said Monday that they're closely watching the ongoing drought to minimize its impact on power production.
The Siler City town council voted Monday night to spend $1 million to speed up a construction of a water pipeline to Sanford.
A week after Gov. Mike Easley asked North Carolina residents to cut water use by 50 percent, Raleigh appears to be falling short of the goal.
State officials have activated an emergency response team to oversee how the state deals with the ongoing drought.
Heavy rain in the watershed that feeds Rocky Mount's Tar River Reservoir gave the city a break as it was nearing "empty" in its water supply.
Rainfall across North Carolina brought good news for drought-starved lakes and reservoirs.
About 4.7 inches fell at the RDU airport, and unlike some earlier brushes with rainfall, in which amounts were very much lacking over the upper portions of local lake and reservoir watersheds, this time we saw around 3.5 to 4.5 inches on average across those areas.
Siler City's water emergency is officially over, but users are still being asked to conserve water.
Bottom line: North Carolina needs between 15 and 25 inches of rain and six to 12 months to recover fully from the drought.
The statewide drought has challenged the U.S. Army engineers who manage North Carolina's lakes and dams.
Gov. Mike Easley went to Capitol Hill Thursday to push for federal grants to North Carolina farmers who have lost much of their crops to the statewide drought.
Conservation is part of daily life now in North Carolina, but some say the measures to should be permanent.
Gov. Mike Easley apparently brushes his teeth with the tap off and has come to accept a brown lawn like everyone else in North Carolina.
Siler City officials are scrambling to find an emergency water source.
Parts of the Triangle liked the look, the feel, the smell and the sound of it Wednesday – rain that had been far too long in coming. Other sections were hoping to join the excitement as a weather system promised more rain Thursday and Friday.
The state needs at least 15 inches of rainfall to ease drought conditions but until that happens; restaurants and cafeterias are fighting the drought by keeping dishes out of the dishwasher.
The drought has dried up all kinds of crops across the state, but vineyard owners are having a bounteous year.
Shallow wells are running dry, and residents need professionals to drill deeper to get new water back.
As Raleigh adopts tougher water restrictions and Gov. Mike Easley calls for people to halve their consumption, the region could see some widespread rain.
The town of Pittsboro has banned all outdoor watering.
The strict Stage 3-B rules, aimed at preserving Jordan Lake water, have stiff fines.
Gov. Mike Easley called on citizens across North Carolina on Monday to cut water consumption by 50 percent between now and the end of the month.
U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge wants the president and Congress to authorize direct disaster assistance payments for drought-affected farmers.
Many North Carolina cities and towns have historically had abundant supplies of water that they used it to lure and reward industry. But some officials believe such volume discounts should be scrapped to encourage conservation.
Every drop of water counts in the statewide drought, so a growing number of businesses and residents have started using barrels to collect and save as much rain as possible.
Fayetteville officials are tightening the taps in an effort to conserve water.
Gov. Mike Easley said he would like to see what could be done to expedite projects that could help increase water output for the future.
Some areas in and around the Triangle saw rain Thursday, and the forecast calls for an even better chance of rain on Friday. But it wasn't enough to dampen a deepening drought.
The City of Wilson called for voluntary water conservation by its customers on Thursday, after Gov. Mike Easley called for communities across the state to tighten restrictions.
Tighter restrictions mean residents in Chapel Hill, Carrboro and nearby areas will have to cut back more on water use or face higher charges.
Johnston County has added its name to the growing list of areas to prohibit lawn watering in the face of the drought.
Two days after he called for statewide water conservation, Gov. Mike Easley said Wednesday that he is pleased with how well communities are pitching in for the effort.
Cary and Holly Springs have become the latest area municipalities to ban lawn watering with sprinklers.
Gov. Mike Easley said he wants every citizen to try to save at least one gallon of water a day, but . But some Wendell residents said they have seen gallons of water pouring out of fire hydrants.
Put the sprinklers away. Watering lawns in Raleigh is now prohibited except with hand-held hoses and watering cans.
State and local leaders are pleading with people to conserve water during the drought, but those who use well water are not under any restrictions.
The town of Apex has banned outdoor water irrigation.
Follow some of the key dates of the 2007 statewide drought.
Gov. Mike Easley on Monday called for further cutbacks in water consumption by every North Carolinian to conserve limited water supplies that he said will likely continue to shrink in the coming months.
The City of Durham will tighten water restrictions again Tuesday, eliminating lawn watering and irrigation.
People in Warren County are only under voluntary conservation measures, but the water shortage is having a harsh trickle-down effect on local farmers.
With grass dying and hay wilting in the fields, farmers cannot afford to feed their herds and are having to sell off their cattle.
A report released Thursday found 86 of the state's 100 counties are suffering from extreme drought. Without significant rainfall soon, Gov. Mike Easley said he may have to impose tougher restrictions.
Despite the expected arrival of lower temperatures later in the week, drought woes continue throughout most of North Carolina.
Levels at Falls Lake, Raleigh's main water source, continued to drop over the past week, even as consumption decreased, officials said Wednesday.
Farmers from across the state bring out their best produce for competition at the North Carolina State Fair, but the drought and hot summer have taken a toll on the entries.
Gov. Mike Easley said the drought has put North Carolina on the "threshold" of an emergency and stricter water conservation measures.
Franklin County adopted a water shortage ordinance Tuesday night.
City residents are consuming 35 percent more water on days when lawn watering is allowed than on other days, officials said Tuesday.
Fair officials said they will be doing their part to conserve water and take some environmentally-friendly measures.
Two poultry processing plants began pumping water from Jordan Lake this week because of Siler City's strict water consumption limits, which went into effect Monday.
Mayor Charles Meeker said Monday that city officials would soon consider tighter water restrictions in the face of the continuing drought.
Most of the state is in dire straits when it comes to the drought. The record-setting heat has turned grass brown, and trees are showing signs of distress, too.
Durham announced lawn water will be limited to one day a week and warned that tougher restrictions could be around the corner.
Amid a crippling drought, Triangle companies use millions of gallons a day. But at least one of the Triangle's biggest users – North Carolina State University – is trying to cut back.
As drought conditions worsen throughout the state, Gov. Mike Easley wants state agencies to work more closely with communities on water conservation.
Volunteers cleaned the edges of North Carolina waterways Saturday during the Big Sweep effort. The drought made collecting trash easier than years past.
The continuing drought has forced six Moore County towns to implement mandatory water restrictions.
The "Green Industry" creates 152,000 jobs in the state and brings $8.6 billion into the economy each year – or has been.
Raleigh's water supply continues to shrink, but that hasn't stopped residents in some pricey neighborhoods from watering their lawns.
Demand for water in Raleigh continues to drop under Stage 1 water restrictions, officials said Tuesday, adding that there is no need for tougher rules to offset the effects of the continuing drought.
Officials are keeping a careful eye on the level of the Army Corps of Engineers reservoir and deciding what restrictions will be if they need to be implemented.
Thousands of Durham residents will soon get a call to remind them about mandatory water restrictions.
New mandatory restrictions mean Siler City customers must cut their water use in half next week.
Tom Avent of Plant Delights Nursery recommends dry weather plants that can survive drought.
Water restrictions take effect in Chapel Hill, Carborro and other areas after officials announced a water shortage on Friday.
From new rates to voluntary conservation, area communities are implementing different methods to deal with shrinking water supplies amid a drought to which state officials said they saw no end.
Officials from Goldsboro, which lies along the Neuse River, are formulating back-up plans if a drought dries up Raleigh's Falls Lake.
Grim prospects for rain are starting to frighten state officials as the drought gripping North Carolina shows little prospect of relenting.
The Stage 1 mandatory water restrictions, which went into effect Aug. 28 in Raleigh, have resulted in a 16 percent reduction in daily use.
Stage 3 mandatory water restrictions tookn effect Monday for Chatham County water customers.
Durham officials say if the city does not see any significant rainfall soon, it will only have enough water to last 76 days.
Rocky Mount plans to put stricter water restrictions for both residents and businesses into effect in the coming weeks.
Recent rain provided little relief from the drought that has gripped the state in recent months, officials said in a report released Thursday morning.
Due to extreme drought conditions and their serious impact on water supplies, the Chatham County Utilities Department has announced that Stage 3 mandatory water restrictions will take effect Monday.
City leaders detailed the drought at a meeting. The good news was the restrictions are helping. The bad news was that water levels continue to drop.
A ban on open burning was canceled Tuesday across North Carolina.
The drought has forced the city of Raleigh to find new recruits to keep an eye out for water code violators.
Water restrictions will be mandatory in Durham from Friday, with the goal of cutting daily demand by 20 to 30 percent, the city manager announced on Monday.
Goldsboro will soon be added to the increasing number of cities and towns going to mandatory water restrictions.
Water systems that depend on Kerr Lake are close to mandatory water restrictions. People in Henderson, Oxford and Warren County would be affected.
Residents of Tarboro are being required to cut back on their water use. The town has implemented a mandatory odd-even watering system.
Rain fell with a vengeance across parched North Carolina on Friday, bringing the drought-stricken state welcome moisture but also numerous reports of funnel clouds, flash flood warnings and damage.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Friday declared 85 North Carolina counties disaster areas because of the ongoing drought.
Because they have only one chance per week to water, many Raleigh homeowners are overwatering.
Weekend rain could bring a bit of relief to North Carolina, where all but two counties are experiencing severe, extreme or exceptional drought conditions.
Another week with little rain is moving the Triangle deeper into drought. Raleigh leaders are considering the next stage of water restrictions, banning all outdoor watering.
The ongoing drought and weeks of excessive heat in August continue to dry up crop production on North Carolina farms, according to a new report issued Wednesday.
If you get caught watering outdoors in Siler City, it could cost you $500. The town implemented new water restrictions Monday and has asked everyone to reduce water consumption by 20 percent.
Town officials on Monday will implement some of the toughest water restrictions in the area, ordering every residence and business to reduce consumption by 20 percent.
A private water company threatening to shut-off north Raleigh customers who violate the tight irrigation schedule has seen results.
Latest figures show most of North Carolina is experiencing extreme or severe drought conditions.
N.C. is on course to have the worst wildfire season in more than 10 years, and the season has not even officially started.
Hoke County has joined the growing list of places to implement water restrictions in the face on a continuing drought.
In just one week, the city of Raleigh has issued 100 notices letting people know that they violated water restriction rules and will be fined.
A simple change in a local condominium complex has saved owners money and water in recent months.
Low water levels forced some boaters to stay on shore at Kerr Lake on Labor Day weekend.
In the middle of a drought and record water use in Raleigh, one suggestion is to re-use old water at car washes.
The drained lakes caused by the continuing drought across North Carolina initially led to water restrictions and could soon result in boating restrictions.
After weeks of quickly spreading across North Carolina, the severity of the drought showed no change in the past week, according to a new state report.
Jordan Lake is 3 feet lower than normal and it is having an impact on water systems in Cumberland and Harnett counties.
Gov. Mike Easley issued an order Wednesday waiving certain highway size and weight restrictions for trucks to help with drought relief efforts for farmers.
On the first day of tighter water conservation measures, Raleigh officials cited eight homeowners Tuesday for violations – each of which carries a $200 fine.
As much as 30 percent of the state's cattle industry could go under this winter if efforts aren't stepped up to ease a feed shortage, agriculture officials said Tuesday.
As Raleigh tightens water restrictions from Tuesday, a recent report says demand for water won't abate in the next 30 years - a fact that has a local economist worried about the trickle-down effect on businesses.
Some Rocky Mount business owners are finding their cash flow is drying up along with the Tar River Reservoir.
Carolina Stockyards in Siler City has seen an increase in the number of cattle coming to market because of the drought.
Raleigh's Public Utilities Department on Monday will begin offering treated wastewater to area residents for outdoor irrigation as a way to help people conserve water during the drought.
Gov. Mike Easley on Friday asked the U.S. Department of Agriculture to declare 85 North Carolina counties disaster areas because of drought-related crop losses.
As drought conditions worsen, Gov. Mike Easley has asked all residents to cut back their water consumption 20 percent.
OWASA, the local water system, met Thursday night to discuss their options. They will continue monitoring the water situation and will make additional restrictions if needed.
Gov. Mike Easley said he plans to ask the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture's Office for federal assistance for farmers whose crops and livestock are suffering from the state's drought.
The city of Raleigh will implement Stage 1 water restrictions next Tuesday. The change means irrigating lawns once a week.
Forecasters held out little hope that the officials who regulate water supplies and water use in communities don't have hard weeks ahead of them.
Lawn watering is keeping code enforcers busy as Raleigh continues to impose water-use restrictions.
Wake Forest is closing eying a dispute between Franklin County and Raleigh over whether the county can draw water from the Neuse River.
State officials said water wells are running low across North Carolina. Local well companies said their increasing business confirms wells are also running dry in the Triangle.
As the drought across North Carolina worsens, the Raleigh City Council has authorized City Manager Russell Allen to implement tougher restrictions on water consumption.
Hot, dry weather is withering crops across North Carolina, state agriculture officials said Friday.
This week’s hot weather is having an impact on the drought, and farmers say they’re struggling. Some say the drought has destroyed half of their crop.
With dry, hot weather hitting North Carolina, farmers are working overtime to save their crops - and their workers' health.
While much of the state has a moderate drought, leaders in Nash County said their situation is much worse.
Nearly a month after the mandatory year-round water restrictions went into effect, fines and water usage are down, according to numbers the City of Raleigh released Monday.
Dry conditions across the state could pose a serious threat for farmers, according to the state Department of Agriculture.
After two days of near-record water use, Raleigh city officials said stronger restrictions could be imposed as early as next month.
Despite the start of mandatory watering restrictions, water use reached near-record highs last week, said Raleigh officials.
Despite the lack of significant rainfall over the past several months, water sources in Durham are at adequate levels for the current demand, the city said Friday.
State leaders aren't calling the drought situation a crisis, but they are trying to shift the public's thinking from reckless water consumption to conservation.
Water customers in Rocky Mount have been urged to tighten their taps.
For the first time this year, all 100 counties in North Carolina are experiencing either abnormally dry conditions, moderate, severe or extreme drought.
The remnants of Tropical Depression Barry helped replenish a bit of North Carolina's water table and add some green to dry foliage over the weekend, but much more rain is needed to improve drought conditions across the state, according to weather officials.
More than three-quarters of North Carolina is suffering from drought conditions, and several western counties are extremely dry, according to climate figures released Thursday.
Some Raleigh residents may have to tighten their tap. The city is considering mandatory, year-round water restrictions.
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