1. Proposed legislation would help ease future droughts' effects

    The draft bill would require local governments to set uniform minimum water conservation measures and give the governor authority to act sooner.

    1. May. 9, 2008
  2. Lakes open as drought drifts away

    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.

    1. May. 2, 2008
  3. Raleigh Mayor: Stage 1 Water Restrictions to Stay for Now

    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.

    1. Apr. 28, 2008
  4. Rains Cover Rare Boat in Tar River

    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.

    1. Apr. 24, 2008
  5. HerbFest Touts Drought-Tolerant Plants

    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.

    1. Apr. 18, 2008
  6. Raleigh Mayor Unveils Water Conservation Campaign

    Mayor Charles Meeker launched the “Slow the Flow and Save Some For Later” campaign on Thursday.

    1. Apr. 17, 2008
  7. Taps Remain Off for People on Community Wells

    Thousands of water customers across North Carolina must continue curbing their water use, despite relaxed regulations in many area cities and towns.

    1. Apr. 16, 2008
  8. Cary Program to Pay Owners of Drought-Tolerant Grass

    Richard Redpath, a Cary homeowner, said he will only need to mow his drought-tolerant lawn twice a year.

    1. Apr. 12, 2008
  9. Despite Increased Water Levels, Rocky Mount Still Conserving

    Rocky Mount leaders are taking steps to ensure the city doesn't risk running out of water again.

    1. Apr. 9, 2008
  10. WEB ONLY: Recovery From Drought is Complex

    WRAL Meteorologist Greg Fishel and state climatologist Ryan Boyles discuss why rainfall doesn't necessarily end the drought.

    1. Apr. 7, 2008
  11. Green Businesses Relieved at Relaxed Restrictions

    Green businesses dependent on water breathed a sigh of relief as Raleigh eased restrictions that kept them from doing many of their daily activities.

    1. Apr. 7, 2008
  12. Climatologist: Drought Isn't Over

    State Climatologist Ryan Boyles said people shouldn't be fooled into thinking the drought is over just because area reservoirs have been replenished.

    1. Apr. 7, 2008
  13. Sprinklers, Washing Cars No Longer Banned

    The drought lingers, but Raleigh officials said residents can start turning the spigot on again because Falls Lake is full.

    1. Apr. 7, 2008
  14. Falls Lake Finally Full; Raleigh to Ease Restrictions

    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.

    1. Apr. 6, 2008
  15. Have Raleigh Water Rules Run Their Course?

    Rain continues to fall, but Raleigh leaders are clear that it is still too soon to ease use restrictions.

    1. Apr. 1, 2008
  16. Homeowners Association Wants Additional Rain Barrels to Roll Away

    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.

    1. Mar. 30, 2008
  17. Response Overwhelming for Cary Water Conservation Effort

    Hundreds of people are contacting Cary town leaders about new water conservation programs that pay homeowners to save.

    1. Mar. 26, 2008
  18. Drought Puts Wake Forest Pool in Jeopardy

    The only public pool in town could remain empty this summer if drought conditions don't ease in the next month, officials said Friday.

    1. Mar. 24, 2008
  19. Water Conserving Gardeners Spring Into Planting

    Nurseries say rain barrels, recent rain and drought resistant plants are giving people a new found interest in gardening.

    1. Mar. 22, 2008
  20. Few Volunteers Slows Low-Flow Effort to Trickle

    Raleigh officials say they need more help installing low-flow devices for low-income residents.

    1. Mar. 21, 2008
  21. 'Flush' Water Makes Waves in Area Pools

    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.

    1. Mar. 20, 2008
  22. Cary Gets Creative With Water Conservation

    Cary is implementing four new conservation programs in an effort to get homeowners to save water.

    1. Mar. 16, 2008
  23. Water Plans Could Mean Water War Over Kerr Lake

    The town of Raleigh could be in a water war with a Henderson community over a potential water source.

    1. Mar. 13, 2008
  24. Wake Looks at Mining Water in Area Quarries

    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.

    1. Mar. 13, 2008
  25. Low-Flow Patrol Fans Out Across Raleigh

    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.

    1. Mar. 11, 2008
  26. Easley Outlines Drought Agenda for Lawmakers

    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.

    1. Mar. 11, 2008
  27. WEB ONLY: Easley Discusses Push for Water-Management Legislation

    Gov. Mike Easley talks with WRAL's David Crabtree about the need for legislation to boost water conservation.

    1. Mar. 11, 2008
  28. Easley Announces Drought Proposals

    Gov. Mike Easley unveiled a three-part legislative package Tuesday to get more control over water consumption and better prepare for droughts.

    1. Mar. 11, 2008
  29. More Water in Falls Lake Doesn't Signal Drought's End

    Rains from recent storms have raised the level of Raleigh's chief water source to about 3 feet below normal.

    1. Mar. 10, 2008
  30. Jordan Lake 'Artificially High' Because of Early Cutbacks

    Different management strategies keep Jordan Lake filled, while Falls Lake struggles to rebound from drought.

    1. Mar. 10, 2008
  31. Raleigh Eyes Easing Restrictions as Falls Lake Fills

    Mayor Charles Meeker wants to give landscapers and others flexibility to operate under Raleigh's water restrictions.

    1. Mar. 6, 2008
  32. Rains Raise Falls Lake

    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.

    1. Mar. 5, 2008
  33. Raleigh OKs Tiered Water Rates

    The City Council approved plans Tuesday to implement tiered water rates for customers on the municipal system next year.

    1. Mar. 4, 2008
  34. Raleigh Inspectors Could Check for Low-Flow Devices

    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.

    1. Mar. 3, 2008
  35. Meeker Announces Reduction in Water Released From Falls Lake

    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.

    1. Mar. 3, 2008
  36. Drought Hits Falls Harder Than Other Lakes

    Recent rains have helped replenish many area lakes, but Falls Lake continues to suffer from the ongoing drought.

    1. Feb. 29, 2008
  37. Some Businesses Thrive on Used Water

    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.

    1. Feb. 29, 2008
  38. Raleigh Business Owner Invests Big Bucks to Save Water

    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.

    1. Feb. 29, 2008
  39. Orange Water Customers Could Get Tougher H2O Rules

    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.

    1. Feb. 28, 2008
  40. Farmers Market Bites the Dust Due to Drought

    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.

    1. Feb. 27, 2008
  41. N.C. State Seeks New Ways to Water Athletic Fields

    In wake of the drought, North Carolina State University is considering digging wells to provide water for its 33 acres of athletics fields.

    1. Feb. 27, 2008
  42. Yard Parched? N.C. State Students Offer Solution

    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.

    1. Feb. 26, 2008
  43. Raleigh Could Face Water Challenges for Decades

    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.

    1. Feb. 26, 2008
  44. Lawmakers Eye Regulating Well Users

    State lawmakers are considering a proposal that would require homeowners and businesses that use private wells to report on how much water they consume.

    1. Feb. 26, 2008
  45. Councilman Calls Durham's Water Rules 'Joke'

    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.

    1. Feb. 26, 2008
  46. Computer Model to Help Manage Neuse Water

    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.

    1. Feb. 25, 2008
  47. Flood of Raleigh Residents Seeking Wells

    Tightening water-use rules have local residents sinking to new depths to find enough water to keep their lawns green.

    1. Feb. 25, 2008
  48. Wake County Forum on Water Woes Draws Hundreds

    A community forum focused on Wake County's water supply and demand drew more than 200 concerned residents Saturday.

    1. Feb. 23, 2008
  49. Jordan Lake Brims With Liquid Gold

    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.

    1. Feb. 22, 2008
  50. Businesses Tap Into Alternate Water Source

    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.

    1. Feb. 19, 2008
  51. Raleigh Presses for More Flow Reductions From Falls Lake

    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.

    1. Feb. 19, 2008
  52. Raleigh, Army Corps Officials Discuss Falls Lake Management

    The Raleigh City Council talks with an Army Corps of Engineers official about managing the water supply in Falls Lake to survive the drought.

    1. Feb. 19, 2008
  53. Raleigh Asks Franklin County Not to Drink From Neuse

    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.

    1. Feb. 19, 2008
  54. Drought Causes Changes at Fairgrounds and Farmers Market

    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.

    1. Feb. 16, 2008
  55. 6 Cited for Breaking Stiffer Water Rules

    City inspectors cited six individuals and businesses for violating the Stage 2 water restrictions that went into effect Friday.

    1. Feb. 15, 2008
  56. Small Business Feeling Biggest Pinch From Water Limits

    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.

    1. Feb. 15, 2008
  57. Litter Lingers in Lowered Lakes

    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.

    1. Feb. 15, 2008
  58. Raleigh Throws in Kitchen Sink in Search of Water

    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.

    1. Feb. 14, 2008
  59. Building Codes Creating a Barrier for Water-Saving System

    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.

    1. Feb. 14, 2008
  60. Drought Could Impact Business Growth, State Fair

    As the drought slowly tightens its grip on North Carolina, state officials worry about its growing impact on the economy.

    1. Feb. 13, 2008
  61. Hospitality Industry Comes Together for H2O Conservation

    A hospitality water summit, scheduled for 9 a.m. today, will be geared toward getting hotels and restaurants to conserve water.

    1. Feb. 13, 2008
  62. Builders Worry About Livelihood as Tougher Water Restrictions Are Considered

    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.

    1. Feb. 13, 2008
  63. Lifting State Burn Ban Called Into Question Following Brush Fires

    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.

    1. Feb. 12, 2008
  64. Extreme Measures Suggested for 'Stage 3' Water Limits

    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.

    1. Feb. 12, 2008
  65. Some Question Raleigh's Delay on Tougher Water Rules

    Raleigh moves to the toughest water restrictions to date this Friday. But some people say tighter restrictions should have happened months ago.

    1. Feb. 12, 2008
  66. Meeker: Water 'Budget' Needed to Get Through Drought

    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.

    1. Feb. 11, 2008
  67. Raleigh Mayor Charles Meeker's State of the City Address

    Mayor Charles Meeker provides an annual update of Raleigh's accomplishments and challenges.

    1. Feb. 11, 2008
  68. Hospitality Businesses Cutting Back on Water

    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.

    1. Feb. 11, 2008
  69. Raleigh's Biggest Water Customers Cutting Back

    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.

    1. Feb. 5, 2008
  70. Flow From Falls Lake Into Neuse River Might Be Halved

    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.

    1. Feb. 5, 2008
  71. Landscapers Cry Foul as Raleigh Tightens Taps

    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.

    1. Feb. 5, 2008
  72. Panel Calls for Tougher Water Rules Next Month

    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.

    1. Jan. 30, 2008
  73. Recycled Water Could Keep New Homes Flowing in Drought

    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.

    1. Jan. 28, 2008
  74. Raleigh Debates Expanding Water-Line to Zebulon

    A development project being considered in Zebulon would extend water service along the Johnston and Wake county line.

    1. Jan. 28, 2008
  75. Drought Concerns Spread to the Fishes

    The Army Corps of Engineers is considering a plan to cut back on the amount of water it releases from Falls Lake.

    1. Jan. 26, 2008
  76. Raleigh Considers Recycled Water for Irrigation

    Used water could soon help area lawns stay green during drought conditions.

    1. Jan. 24, 2008
  77. Indoor Water Cutbacks Urged

    Raleigh officials say not enough people are cutting back their water consumption, especially when it comes to indoor use.

    1. Jan. 23, 2008
  78. Raleigh Residents Asked to Stick to 35 Gallons a Day

    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.

    1. Jan. 22, 2008
  79. Tougher Water Restrictions Drying Up Some Green Businesses

    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.

    1. Jan. 22, 2008
  80. Raleigh May Ban All Outdoor Watering; Tips for Saving Plants

    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.

    1. Jan. 21, 2008
  81. State Leaders Looking Into Their Role in Dealing With the Drought

    With water sources drying up around the state, leaders are consider where they should have more say in how communities share water.

    1. Jan. 20, 2008
  82. Need for Hay Weighs Heavy on N.C. Farmers

    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.

    1. Jan. 18, 2008
  83. Raleigh Might Pass Cost of Drought Onto Residents

    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.

    1. Jan. 18, 2008
  84. Increased Water Rates Could Be Next Step in Raleigh's Drought Battle

    Raleigh leaders are considering a 50 percent surcharge in water customers' bills – the latest way to save the city's dwindling water supply.

    1. Jan. 16, 2008
  85. Drought has Cumberland County Officials Looking for Future Water Sources

    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.

    1. Jan. 14, 2008
  86. Easley: Water Systems Should Prepare for Lengthy Drought

    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.

    1. Jan. 14, 2008
  87. Pool Policy Making Waves With Durham Property Owners

    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.

    1. Jan. 11, 2008
  88. Raleigh Council OKs Some Water-Saving Ideas

    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.

    1. Jan. 8, 2008
  89. Meeker's Water Use Overflows His Proposed Daily Limit

    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.

    1. Jan. 8, 2008
  90. How Much Could Raleigh Mayor’s Water Proposal Cost?

    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.

    1. Jan. 8, 2008
  91. Meeker: Limit Daily Water Use to 25 Gallons Per Person

    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.

    1. Jan. 7, 2008
  92. WEB ONLY: Meeker Proposes Water Limits, Surcharge

    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.

    1. Jan. 7, 2008
  93. Raleigh Water Police Looking for Rule-Breakers

    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.

    1. Jan. 5, 2008
  94. Sky5 Flyover of Area Water Supplies, Jan. 2, 2008

    Sky5 Flyover of Area Water Supplies, Jan. 2, 2008, in the following order: Falls Lake, Lake Michie, Little River Reservoir and Jordan Lake.

    1. Jan. 2, 2008
  95. Rains Boost Raleigh, Durham Water Supplies

    Rains over the past week have added more than three weeks to Raleigh's and Durham's water supplies, officials said Monday.

    1. Dec. 31, 2007
  96. Water Conservation Levels Off in Raleigh

    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.

    1. Dec. 21, 2007
  97. Pittsboro, 3M Team Up to Find Drought Solution

    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.

    1. Dec. 21, 2007
  98. WEB ONLY: Easley Speaks to State Drought Panel

    Gov. Mike Easley calls for tiered water pricing and other measures to conserve water amid an ongoing drought.

    1. Dec. 20, 2007
  99. Wake to Examine Impact of Wells on Falls Lake

    Wake County plans to study the effects of private wells on the area water supply.

    1. Dec. 20, 2007
  100. McDonald's Blames Drought for $1 Cup of Water

    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.

    1. Dec. 19, 2007
  101. Dripping Away: Millions of Gallons Lost Through Leaks

    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.

    1. Dec. 18, 2007
  102. Durham Eyes Surcharge to Boost Water Conservation

    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.

    1. Dec. 17, 2007
  103. Deal Reached on Drought Aid for N.C. Farmers

    State and federal governments will be giving much-needed to relief to North Carolina farmers sapped by the record-setting drought.

    1. Dec. 17, 2007
  104. State Leaders Discuss Water-Saving Technology

    Conserving water is a must during this year's statewide drought, but it will take more than going easy on the taps.

    1. Dec. 14, 2007
  105. Flush Plates, Not Toilets in Prolonged Drought

    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.

    1. Dec. 13, 2007
  106. Raleigh Looks to Lake Sediment, Cary for Water

    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.

    1. Dec. 12, 2007
  107. WEB ONLY: Easley: Continued Conservation Makes Drought Manageable

    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.

    1. Dec. 12, 2007
  108. No Water Could Mean No New Homes in Raleigh

    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.

    1. Dec. 10, 2007
  109. Drought Making It Harder, More Expensive to Care for Horses

    The lack of rain has cut hay production in North Carolina by nearly 50 percent, making it hard to feed horses.

    1. Dec. 10, 2007
  110. Durham Leaders Tap New Ideas for Providing Water

    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.

    1. Dec. 6, 2007
  111. Raleigh Preps for Stricter Water Rules

    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.

    1. Dec. 4, 2007
  112. Water Woes Could Dry Up Durham Development

    Potential development in Durham could be put on hold because there may not be enough water to go around.

    1. Dec. 4, 2007
  113. Apex Folks Aggressively Cutting Water Usage

    Folks in Apex have managed to cut daily water usage from 4 million gallons a day to nearly 2 million.

    1. Dec. 3, 2007
  114. Raleigh Water Rates Could Depend on Usage

    The Raleigh City Council might look at implementing variable water rates to charge customers more for heavy use to encourage water conservation.

    1. Nov. 29, 2007
  115. Wake Forest Douses Car Wash Proposal During Drought

    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.

    1. Nov. 29, 2007
  116. Durham Businesses Ordered to Cut Water Usage

    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.

    1. Nov. 27, 2007
  117. Drought Hurting Food Bank Supply; Demand for Assistance Growing

    The drought is playing a role in drying out supplies at Raleigh's Food Bank and it couldn't come at a worst time.

    1. Nov. 21, 2007
  118. Falls Lake Reaches Record Low Level

    Raleigh's primary reservoir is at an all-time low level, despite recent rains and declining water consumption by area residents.

    1. Nov. 20, 2007
  119. Sky 5 Flyover of Falls Lake, Nov. 20, 2007

    Sky 5 flyover of Falls Lake, Nov. 20, 2007

    1. Nov. 20, 2007
  120. Sky 5 Flyover of Jordan Lake, Nov. 20, 2007

    Sky 5 flyover of Jordan Lake, Nov. 20, 2007

    1. Nov. 20, 2007
  121. Sky 5 Flyover of Little River Reservoir, Nov. 20, 2007

    Sky 5 flyover of Little River Reservoir, Nov. 20, 2007

    1. Nov. 20, 2007
  122. Sky 5 Flyover of Lake Michie, Nov. 20, 2007

    Sky 5 flyover of Lake Michie, Nov. 20, 2007

    1. Nov. 20, 2007
  123. Despite Drought, No Grinch-Christmas for Tree Farmers

    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.

    1. Nov. 18, 2007
  124. Drought Puts Higher Draught Prices on Tap

    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.

    1. Nov. 13, 2007
  125. Tapping Little River Could Dampen Property Values

    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.

    1. Nov. 15, 2007
  126. Tighter Water Enforcement in Wake Towns Sought

    Some Raleigh officials want area towns that buy water from the city to enforce water restrictions more tightly.

    1. Nov. 8, 2007
  127. Raleigh Pushes Businesses to Save Water

    After focusing on residential water use in recent months, Raleigh officials on Thursday started pushing for more conservation by local businesses.

    1. Nov. 8, 2007
  128. Alternative Flow to Neuse Suggested to Preserve Raleigh's Water Supply

    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.

    1. Nov. 7, 2007
  129. Rains Dampen Drought, Not Calls to Conserve Water

    Steady rains last week helped ease the severity of the drought across much of North Carolina, but officials continue to stress water conservation.

    1. Nov. 1, 2007
  130. State Emergency Team Activated for Drought

    State officials have activated an emergency response team to oversee how the state deals with the ongoing drought.

    1. Oct. 30, 2007
  131. Officials Keep Up Conservation Drumbeat

    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.

    1. Oct. 30, 2007
  132. Climate Experts Sound Alarm on Drought

    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.

    1. Oct. 30, 2007
  133. Rising Reservoir for Rocky Mount

    Heavy rain in just the right places last week have brought Rocky Mount's Tar River Reservoir up more than 10 percent.

    1. Oct. 30, 2007
  134. Rainfall Helps Lake Levels Rise Slightly

    Rainfall across North Carolina brought good news for drought-starved lakes and reservoirs.

    1. Oct. 29, 2007
  135. Sky5 Flyover of Lake Michie, Oct. 29, 2007

    Sky5 Flyover of Lake Michie, Oct. 29, 2007

    1. Oct. 29, 2007
  136. Sky5 Flyover of Tar River Reservoir, Oct. 29, 2007

    Sky5 Flyover of Tar River Reservoir, Oct. 29, 2007

    1. Oct. 29, 2007
  137. Sky5 Flyover of Falls Lake, Oct. 29, 2007

    Sky5 Flyover of Falls Lake, Oct. 29, 2007

    1. Oct. 29, 2007
  138. Sky5 Flyover of Little River, Oct. 29, 2007

    Sky5 Flyover of Little River, Oct. 29, 2007

    1. Oct. 29, 2007
  139. Sky5 Flyover of Jordan Lake, Oct. 29, 2007

    Sky5 Flyover of Jordan Lake, Oct. 29, 2007

    1. Oct. 29, 2007
  140. Water Conservation in Home Adds Up

    WRAL's Renee Chou tours a water efficient home and shows how a gallon saved here and there really adds up.

    1. Oct. 26, 2007
  141. Easley Seeks Aid for Drought-Stricken Farmers

    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.

    1. Oct. 25, 2007
  142. 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.

    1. Oct. 25, 2007
  143. Farmers Desperate for Federal Aid

    The empty fields on James Sharp's Wilson County farm back up bleak assessments of the statewide drought.

    1. Oct. 25, 2007
  144. WEB ONLY: Easley Asks Congress for Farm Aid

    Gov. Mike Easley testified before the U.S. House Agriculture Committee, seeking grants to farmers to help them survive the ongoing drought.

    1. Oct. 25, 2007
  145. Officials: Siler City Has 65 Days of Water Left

    Siler City officials are scrambling to find an emergency water source. The town is about 65 days away from running out of water.

    1. Oct. 25, 2007
  146. Vineyards Turn Lack of Water Into Wine Wealth

    The drought has dried up crops across the state, but vineyard owners are having a bounteous year.

    1. Oct. 24, 2007
  147. Restaurants, Cafeterias Using Paper and Plastic to Save Water

    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.

    1. Oct. 24, 2007
  148. Drilling After Dark to Meet Demand

    Well-drillers are in high demand as shallow wells succumb to the drought.

    1. Oct. 24, 2007
  149. State, Local Officials Push for Water Demand Cuts

    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.

    1. Oct. 23, 2007
  150. WEB ONLY: Easley: Solution to Water Shortage Simple, Not Easy

    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.

    1. Oct. 23, 2007
  151. N.C. State Prof Lives Conservation Lifestyle

    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.

    1. Oct. 23, 2007
  152. N.C. Congressman Wants Federal Disaster Relief For Farmers

    U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge wants the president and Congress to authorize direct disaster assistance payments for drought-affected farmers.

    1. Oct. 22, 2007
  153. Headline Saturday: When Does A Drought Become An Emergency?

    Raleigh city officials and members of the Governor's Office discuss how dire the drought is and what measures need to be taken.

    1. Oct. 20, 2007