Michael F. Easley
Governor
State of North Carolina
Office of the Governor
For Release: IMMEDIATE Contact: Renee Hoffman
Date: June 14, 2007 Phone:
919/733-5612
GOV. EASLEY EXTENDS LIMITS ON WATER USE TO FOUR MORE COUNTIES
Hardest-Hit Areas Of Western N.C. Asked To Implement Conservation Measures
RALEIGH -Gov. Mike Easley today directed state agencies in four more counties in western North
Carolina to take specific water conservation steps after the counties were added to the list of those
suffering from severe drought. Easley has also asked water systems in those areas to implement
conservation measures. Twenty-one western counties are now categorized with either extreme or
severe drought.
“All water systems, especially those in the driest areas of North Carolina, should review their water
supply plans and implement conservation measures as the drought continues and its severity worsens,”
said Easley. “While drinking water supplies are sufficient to meet demand at this time, we need to be
prepared for the worsening conditions that could come our way with the heat of the summer.”
The governor has expanded his directive to state agencies in counties currently listed with extreme or
severe drought to include: Ashe, Caldwell, Polk and Watauga counties. These agencies are directed to
stop all non-essential water use and all citizens are urged to voluntarily reduce their water consumption
by at least 10 percent. In addition to the four new counties; Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Cherokee, Clay,
Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Rutherford, Swain,
Transylvania, and Yancey counties continue to be listed with extreme or severe drought.
In some parts of the state, voluntary conservation efforts have worked well and are making a
difference. However, in areas where voluntary efforts are not as successful, further mandatory steps
may be needed if there is no significant let up in the drought.
Easley recommends the following simple steps that all North Carolinians can use to conserve during
this drought:
■ Take shorter showers.
■ Do not leave water running while rinsing dishes, shaving or brushing teeth.
■ Add compost and other organic material to your soil to improve its water-holding capacity.
■ Keep a pitcher of cold water in the fridge, instead of running tap water until it is cool.
■ Use a bucket to water your plants, not a hose.
■ Water lawns and gardens early in the morning or late in the evening, not in the heat of mid-day,
to prevent evaporation.
Today’s update from the U.S. Drought Monitor reports 57 of North Carolina’s 100 counties are
experiencing either moderate, severe or extreme drought, down from 83 counties last week. There are
Governor's Press Office
State Capitol. Raleigh, NC 27603-8001
(919) 733-5612 - Toll Free 1-800-662-7005
FAX (919) 733-5166
