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Raleigh Mayor Charles Meeker says a recent decision from Wake County Commissioners could put a future Triangle water source in jeopardy.
It could be another water source for Raleigh or its surrounding communities, but city officials say it wouldn't help in dry conditions.
Conditions improved in the drought report issued July 10, 2008, and WRAL Chief Meteorologist Greg Fishel said midweek rain would probably bring more improvement in the next week's numbers.
The legislation would require large water users to directly report their consumption.
N.C. State professors discuss a three-year research project to determine the best way to water a lawn.
N.C. State professors found watering twice a week doesn't harm lawns, and using 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.
Falls Lake has dipped below normal for the first time since recovering from its record deficit on April 5. 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.
As the temperature rises, so does the need for water. Customers on the Raleigh water system are increasing their consumption, according Ed Buchan, water conservation specialist with the city's Public Utilities Department.
The fee would new leave builders paying for upgrades to the water system.
Growth and water quality are coming into conflict as smaller towns question the way Raleigh allocates their water supplies.
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 draft bill would require local governments to set uniform minimum water conservation measures and give the governor authority to act sooner.
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.
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.
The end of the drought means a 150-year-old boat sunken in the Tar River can't be seen anymore. But local and state historians are working to preserve it.
Around 20,000 people will look at, pick and chose from a world of herbs spreading across a downtown Wake Forest street for the next 10 days. The tiny plants are also a drought-friendly way to spruce up your garden, herb enthusiasts said.
Mayor Charles Meeker launched the “Slow the Flow and Save Some For Later” campaign on Thursday.
Thousands of water customers across North Carolina must continue curbing their water use, despite relaxed regulations in many area cities and towns.
Richard Redpath, a Cary homeowner, said he will only need to mow his drought-tolerant lawn twice a year.
Rocky Mount leaders are taking steps to ensure the city doesn't risk running out of water again.
WRAL Meteorologist Greg Fishel and state climatologist Ryan Boyles discuss why rainfall doesn't necessarily end the drought.
Green businesses dependent on water breathed a sigh of relief as Raleigh eased restrictions that kept them from doing many of their daily activities.
State Climatologist Ryan Boyles said people shouldn't be fooled into thinking the drought is over just because area reservoirs have been replenished.
The drought lingers, but Raleigh officials said residents can start turning the spigot on again because Falls Lake is full.
Six rainy days over the past week have 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.
Rain continues to fall, but Raleigh leaders are clear that it is still too soon to ease use restrictions.
Rain barrels were being put to good use across the Triangle during Sunday's rainfall. But some residents in a Wake County neighborhood say their water conservation efforts are being hampers by the homeowners association’s image concerns.
Hundreds of people are contacting Cary town leaders about new water conservation programs that pay homeowners to save.
The only public pool in town could remain empty this summer if drought conditions don't ease in the next month, officials said Friday.
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.
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.
Cary is implementing four new conservation programs in an effort to get homeowners to save water.
The town of Raleigh could be in a water war with a Henderson community over a potential water source.
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.
City inspectors have begun checking businesses to see if they are honoring the city's request for them to install low-flow water hardware to save water.
Gov. Mike Easley on Tuesday unveiled a three-part legislative package to modernize North Carolina's public water systems, mandate water conservation and efficiency and upgrade the response to water emergencies.
Gov. Mike Easley talks with WRAL's David Crabtree about the need for legislation to boost water conservation.
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.
The level of Falls Lake increased by more than a foot since late Tuesday after a powerful storm system moved across North Carolina, officials said.
The City Council approved plans Tuesday to implement tiered water rates for customers on the municipal system next year.
Raleigh Mayor Charles Meeker said city inspectors could begin visiting area businesses to determine whether they have installed low-flow faucets and other measures called for to conserve water.
Raleigh Mayor Charles Meeker discusses several moves to conserve drinking water supplies, including a reduction in water released from Falls Lake into the Neuse River.
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.
Thursday night, the Orange Water and Sewer Authority will consider declaring a Stage 3 water shortage. If that happens, water customers would have to follow increased restrictions and could face higher prices.
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.
As water conservation becomes increasing important across the Triangle, a group of N.C. State students are doing their part by educating. They held a rain barrel demonstration Tuesday night in hopes of getting more people to tap into stormwater runoff.
As city officials grapple with trying to make it through a second summer marked by drought, they also face the prospect of demand outstripping the 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.
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.
Tightening water-use rules have local residents sinking to new depths to find enough water to keep their lawns green.
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.
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.
The Raleigh City Council talks with an Army Corps of Engineers official about managing the water supply in Falls Lake to survive the drought.
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.
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.
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 once tossed into lakes and streams are tossed back up as water levels drop.
City officials are considering numerous options, from accelerating construction on a water-treatment plant to banking on help from Congress, as they look for for long-term solutions to the drought.
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 growing impact on the economy.
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 future development. The city has continued to issue new building permits throughout the drought.
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.
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 imposeifthe drought continues.
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 the budget.
Mayor Charles Meeker provides an annual update of Raleigh's accomplishments and challenges.
Due to the record drought, Raleigh hospitality businesses are making every effort to save water. To help hotels and restaurants find ways to conserve, a hospitality water summit is planned 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.
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.
More than 200 people from the landscaping industry protested Tuesday as the City Council voted unanimously to move to Stage 2 water restrictions on Feb. 15.
Raleigh should impose tougher water restrictions by Feb. 28 at the latest, and new water customers could be charged an extra fee to pay for conservation, a City Council committee decided Wednesday.
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.
The Army Corps of Engineers is considering a plan to cut back on the amount of water it releases from Falls Lake.
Used water could soon help area lawns stay green during drought conditions.
Raleigh officials say not enough people are cutting back their water consumption, especially when it comes to indoor use.
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 consider where they should have more say in how communities share water.
With the drought knocking out much of the state's hay crop last year, the state is helping farmers by using bulk-buying power to get hay from far away at somewhat lower prices.
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.
Fayetteville relies heavily on the Cape Fear River. As the area expects a flood of new growth in coming years, Hope Mills officials want to see the water system tap into some local lakes as a future source.
North Carolina water systems facing the most precarious position in terms of available drinking water need to link up with other systems, check their lines for leaks and adopt tiered water rates, Gov. Mike Easley said Monday.
The drought and a dwindling water supply is causing a wave in Durham for property owners who want pools and some businesses that build them.
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.
Raleigh Mayor Charles Meeker has cut his water consumption in recent months, but he could have a hard time keeping up with a Rolesville family that has lopped their water use in half through a variety of conservation measures.
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 Mayor Charles Meeker proposes a 25-gallon daily limit per person for water and said he would like the city to impose a 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.
Sky5 Flyover of Area Water Supplies, Jan. 2, 2008, in the following order: Falls Lake, Lake Michie, Little River Reservoir and Jordan Lake.
Rains over the past week have added more than three weeks to Raleigh's and Durham's water supplies, officials said Monday.
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.
Gov. Mike Easley calls for tiered water pricing and other measures to conserve water amid an ongoing drought.
Wake County plans to study the effects of private wells on the area water supply.
A Wilson's McDonald's restaurant says water restrictions are the cause of its $1 charge for water. Restrictions in Wilson are voluntary, and other fast-food outlets do not seem to see things the same way.
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 because of leaky pipes.
As crews began tapping an abandoned quarry Monday to deliver more water to the parched city, one Durham official called for a 10 percent surcharge on local water bills to help pay for the costs of the ongoing drought.
State and federal governments will be giving much-needed to relief to North Carolina farmers sapped by the record-setting drought.
Conserving water is a must during this year's statewide drought, but it will take more than going easy on the taps.
As the rainfall deficit across the Triangle reached new levels for the year Thursday, area officials discussed further lifestyle changes that might be required of residents to conserve as much water as possible.
With tougher water restrictions in Raleigh a week away and Durham preparing to tap an abandoned quarry to extend its dwindling water supply, public utilities officials gathered Wednesday to discuss options for dealing with the ongoing drought.
Although emergency plans are in place if the statewide drought continues, Gov. Mike Easley said the water crisis is manageable if people continue to conserve.
The city 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.
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.
Potential development in Durham could be put on hold because there may not be enough water to go around.
Folks in Apex have managed to cut daily water usage from 4 million gallons a day to nearly 2 million.
The Raleigh City Council might look at implementing variable water rates to charge customers more for heavy use to encourage water conservation.
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. But some business, like the White Star laundry mat, say cutting back anymore is not an option.
The drought is playing a role in drying out supplies at Raleigh's Food Bank and it couldn't come at a worst time.
Raleigh's primary reservoir is at an all-time low level, despite recent rains and declining water consumption by area residents.
Sky 5 flyover of Falls Lake, Nov. 20, 2007
Sky 5 flyover of Jordan Lake, Nov. 20, 2007
Sky 5 flyover of Little River Reservoir, Nov. 20, 2007
Sky 5 flyover of Lake Michie, Nov. 20, 2007
Christmas tree farms 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.
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.
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.
Some Raleigh officials want area towns that buy water from the city to enforce water restrictions more tightly.
After focusing on residential water use in recent months, Raleigh officials on Thursday started pushing for more conservation by local businesses.
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.
Steady rains last week helped ease the severity of the drought across much of North Carolina, but officials continue to stress water conservation.
State officials have activated an emergency response team to oversee how the state deals with the ongoing drought.
Gov. Mike Easley and other state officials reiterated the call for statewide conservation, noting that state government water consumption has dropped by 31 percent in the past two months.
Climate experts said Tuesday that impacts from the statewide drought would likely become worse next year, and they continued to press for more water conservation by North Carolina residents.
Heavy rain in just the right places last week have brought Rocky Mount's Tar River Reservoir up more than 10 percent.
Rainfall across North Carolina brought good news for drought-starved lakes and reservoirs.
Sky5 Flyover of Lake Michie, Oct. 29, 2007
Sky5 Flyover of Tar River Reservoir, Oct. 29, 2007
Sky5 Flyover of Falls Lake, Oct. 29, 2007
Sky5 Flyover of Little River, Oct. 29, 2007
Sky5 Flyover of Jordan Lake, Oct. 29, 2007
WRAL's Renee Chou tours a water efficient home and shows how a gallon saved here and there really adds up.
Gov. Mike Easley headed to Capitol Hill Thursday to push for federal grants for North Carolina farmers who have lost much of their crops in the ongoing statewide drought.
Conservation is part of daily life now in North Carolina, but some say the measures to should be permanent.
The empty fields on James Sharp's Wilson County farm back up bleak assessments of the statewide drought.
Gov. Mike Easley testified before the U.S. House Agriculture Committee, seeking grants to farmers to help them survive the ongoing drought.
Siler City officials are scrambling to find an emergency water source. The town is about 65 days away from running out of water.
The drought has dried up crops across the state, but vineyard owners are having a bounteous year.
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.
Well-drillers are in high demand as shallow wells succumb to the drought.
Raleigh and Durham are among 17 water systems statewide that are nearing a crisis-level shortage, with less than 100 days of water supply left, officials said Tuesday.
Gov. Mike Easley said he wants people to cut their water consumption in half over the next week to see what dealing with a water crisis would entail.
Raleigh resident Will Hooker, a horticulture science professor at North Carolina State University, cuts back his water usage by capturing rainwater that runs off his roof and recycling water from his shower and kitchen sink.
U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge wants the president and Congress to authorize direct disaster assistance payments for drought-affected farmers.
Raleigh city officials and members of the Governor's Office discuss how dire the drought is and what measures need to be taken.
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.
Rain at the State Fair normally would be unwelcome, but attendees reveled in the rain Friday, hoping it would help with the statewide drought.
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.
Cary and Holly Springs have become the latest area municipalities to ban lawn watering with sprinklers.
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.
Gov. Mike Easley expresses satisfaction with state efforts to cut water consumption in light of the ongoing drought.
Gov. Mike Easley said he wants every citizen to try to save at least one gallon of water a day. But some local residents said they have seen gallons of water pouring out of fire hydrants in the area.
State and local leaders are pleading with people to conserve water during the drought, but folks who use well water are not under any restrictions.
A day after Gov. Mike Easley asked all North Carolinians to do their part to help conserve water, the Raleigh City Council agreed to ban outdoor watering to conserve the city's dwindling supply of drinking water.
Raleigh officials have stopped issuing permits that allow daily watering on newly reseeded lawns for 45 days.
Sky5 Flyover of Falls Lake, Raleigh's main water source, is more than 7 feet below normal.
Sky5 Flyover of Lake Michie, a Durham water source that is down about 14 feet from normal levels.
Sky5 Flyover of Jordan Lake, Oct. 16, 2007
Mayor Charles Meeker said Tuesday that he will ask the City Council to ban outdoor watering and washing personal cars.
Gov. Mike Easley on Monday called for further cutbacks in water consumption by every North Carolina resident to conserve limited water supplies that he said will likely continue to shrink in the coming months.
Gov. Mike Easley calls on all North Carolina residents to cut their water consumption to prevent a looming crisis as the statewide drought continues.
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 can not afford to feed their herd 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 Thursday, he may have to impose tougher restrictions.
Low river levels caused by a statewide drought have exposed a sunken, rare boat in the Tar River.
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 their 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.
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.
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.
City officials could soon consider tighter water restrictions in the face of the continuing drought, Raleigh Mayor Charles Meeker said Monday.
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.
The drought is taking its toll on area water sources, and as conditions continue to worsen, the number of days of water left is decreasing.
WRAL Meterorologist Elizabeth Gardner has the latest on the statewide drought.
Some Triangle volunteers said Wednesday the lack of rain could actually benefit the Big Sweep effort to clean the edges of the waterways.
The Green industry - that's what it's called - creates 152,000 jobs in our state and brings $8.6 billion into the economy each year. It’s a number that's dwindling as the drought continues to take its toll.
Raleigh's water supply continues to shrink, but that hasn't stopped residents in some pricey neighborhoods from watering their lawns.
The town of Henderson and Franklin County, which draw water for their systems from Kerr Lake, are watching carefully. Franklin is getting restrictions ready in case they are needed.
Tom Avent of Plant Delights Nursery recommends dry weather plants that can survive drought.
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 change.
Durham officials are tightening the taps even further to conserve the city's dwindling water supply.
City leaders detailed the drought at the council meeting. The good news was the restrictions are helping. The bad news was that water levels continue to drop.
The drought has forced the city of Raleigh to find new recruits to keep an eye out for water code violators.
Effective at midnight Monday, the city of Goldsboro will move from voluntary to mandatory water conservation measures.
Because they have only one chance per week to water, many Raleigh homeowners are overwatering.
The City Council will consider adopting tougher water restrictions next week, including implementing a ban on all outdoor watering, to conserve its dwindling water supply.
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.
Smithfield's town manager said mandatory water restrictions could soon be implemented if the flow in the Neuse River continues to drop.
In just one week, the city of Raleigh has issued 100 notices letting people know that they have 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 that pushed Raleigh water use to record levels, one suggestion is re-using 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.
Mike Bajorek, Cary's interim public works and utilities director, discusses falling water levels at Jordan Lake and water restrictions in Cary and Morrisville.
Jordan Lake is 3 feet lower than normal and it is having an impact on the water systems downstream.
On the first day of tighter water conservation measures, Raleigh officials cited eight homeowners Tuesday for violations – each of which carries a $200 fine.
Raleigh Mayor Charles Meeker and city officials discuss the rationale behind imposing tough limits - and fines for violations - on water consumption.
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.
State agriculture commissioner Steve Troxler unveils a new plan to help ease a cattle feed shortage in North Carolina.
Some Rocky Mount business owners are finding their cash flow is drying up along with the Tar River Reservoir.
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.
Panelists discuss the impact of the drought on farmers across the state.
Carolina Stockyards in Siler City has seen double the number of cattle coming to market because of the drought.
Raleigh's Public Utilities Department will begin offering treated wastewater to area residents for outdoor irrigation as a way to help people conserve water during the drought.
The drought affecting the entire state is taking a toll on local farmers at Raleigh's farmer's market.
WRAL's Elizabeth Gardner has the latest on the state's worsening drought.
Research being conducted at North Carolina State University could help area residents keep their lawns from burning up despite the drought and tight water restrictions.
The continuing drought has prompted Raleigh to implement tougher water restrictions, beginning next Tuesday.
Even with the recent hot, dry conditions and the newest round of water restrictions, there was no shortage of water at the State Legislative Building.
Ed Buchan, a water conservation specialist with Raleigh's Public Utilities Department, discusses the tougher water restrictions.
Jeff Orrock of the National Weather Service explains to a meeting of the North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council on Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2007, how global patterns are working against soaking rains to help North Carolina.
State and federal officials are keeping a close watch on water levels around the state as the drought persists. Terry Brown of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is one of those considering what government can do.
Rocky Mount is facing its worst water shortage in several decades. Town officials are considering asking to purchase between 2 and 3 million gallons of water a day from the City of Wilson.
Aqua North Carolina, a private water company, plans to tighten water restrictions for 3,800 customers in northern Wake County from Monday night.
Wake Forest is closing eyeing a dispute between Franklin County and Raleigh over whether the county can draw water from the Neuse River.
Water wells are running low across North Carolina, state officials said. Local well companies said their recent increase in 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.
Creedmoor leaders voted Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2007, to order water conservation measures.
A high-efficiency shower head puts less water through smaller holes so you don't notice any difference in pressure, but you use less. It's one of several water-saving ways you can go.
Hot, dry weather is withering crops across North Carolina, state agriculture officials said Friday.
If it’s not your day to water your plants or wash your car, prepare for a warning. Public utilities officials are out enforcing the water restrictions.
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.
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.
After two days of near-record water use, Raleigh city officials said stronger restrictions could be imposed as early as next month.
Some Triangle governments are already enforcing restrictions on water use to fend off a threatening shortage. (Air date: July 8, 2007)
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.
Raleigh's mandatory restrictions took effect Monday, July 2, 2007, and other parts of the state also face reduced rainfall this year.
As cities across the state place limits on water consumption to deal with a widening drought, state and local officials also are keeping an eye on water supplies to ensure they can keep up with growing demand.
More than three quarters of North Carolina is now suffering from drought conditions, and several western counties are extremely dry, according to climate figures released Thursday.
Residences and non-agricultural businesses that get water from Clayton, Princeton, Four Oaks, Kenly, Aqua NC and Carolina Water Service are now under a mandatory odd-even allocation system to conserve county supplies.
The Raleigh City Council unanimously voted Tuesday afternoon to impose mandatory, year-round water restrictions proposed by an advisory panel that studied water supply and the growing demand for it.
Some Raleigh residents may have to tighten their tap as the city considers mandatory, year-round water restrictions.
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