Easley, Michael. Press Release, 2008-01-03, Gov. Easley Urges Citizens To Keep Conserving Water And Not Let Up: Latest Rains Do Little To Ease North Carolina's Statewide Drought

Michael F. Easley Governor State of North Carolina Office of the Governor For Release: IMMEDIATE Contact: Seth Effron Date: January 3, 2008 Phone: 919/733-5612 GOV. EASLEY URGES CITIZENS TO KEEP CONSERVING WATER AND NOT LET UP Latest Rains Do Little To Ease North Carolina's Statewide Drought RALEIGH - Gov. Mike Easley today urged all North Carolinians to continue their water conservation efforts because the latest rains have had little impact on the statewide drought. Every one of the state’s 1 00 counties continue to be listed on the latest federal drought map in one of the three most severe levels of drought. “While the rain last week was most certainly welcome, it frankly did little to improve our very severe situation,” Easley said. “We all must continue our strong conservation efforts so we are able to make the most out of the modest water we did receive since the extremely dry conditions are predicted to continue.” The latest federal drought map shows 67 counties continue to be listed in exceptional drought (the worst level); 20 in extreme drought and 13 in severe drought. Eleven counties, Bladen, Graham, Jones, Lenoir, Onslow, Pender, Pitt, Robeson, Stokes Surry and Yadkin moved from exceptional to extreme due to the recent rainfall. The governor cautioned that all North Carolinians must continue their water conservation efforts because dry conditions are expected to prevail during the next week. Failure to conserve will hurt public water supplies and make the drought worse. As of today about 5.45 million people in the state, or 80 percent of those served by water systems tracked by the state are subject to water use restrictions. On Monday, Jan. 14, in Greensboro the governor is convening a conference with the state’s 30 hardest- hit public water systems to make sure they are fully prepared and have effective drought emergency plans in place. Those at the conference will review what their plans are if the drought deepens and make sure they have reserve sources of water available. In addition, those water systems that need assistance from the state will be able to make sure they get the help they need to have effective emergency plans in place. Information about the drought, water conservation ideas along with video and audio drought busting tips can be found on the Web at: www.ncdrought.org ### Governor's Press Office State Capitol. Raleigh, NC 27603-8001 (919) 733-5612 - Toll Free 1-800-662-7005 FAX (919) 733-5166